Lovely Random Midday Thoughts

Hi all! Sorry we've been so quiet lately. Jenny just came back from her epic trip to Scotland, and over here on my turf, we're putting on a play at school, so things are a bit hectic. Just thought I'd take a minute and share the top 5 topics on my mind today...what's on YOUR mind? Do share!

1. I am starving. I don't normally eat lunch until 1:00, but there's something about a change in schedule and routine (we have long play practices everyday), which makes my stomach rumble. I just wolfed down an orange, but I can't wait to eat my normal lunch of salad, salad, salad. What do you normally eat for lunch?
2. I. Can't. Wait. To. See. My. Friends. My "Quarter-Life Crisis" birthday party is this weekend (my actual birthday is next Monday!) and I haven't seen some of my friends in too long. Can't wait to laugh with them!
3. ...and on this note, I have so much cleaning and planning to do! Luckily, resident party planner (she's planning a birthday gala for our Dad's 50th!) is taking charge of most of the work. However, I still need to clean. Er, I mean, we need to clean...right, Eric? ;)
4. I love this weather! Having a nice day seems to make everything bearable, doesn't it? How are you spending this nice day (even though it's a workday)?
5. I am very proud of all my students; they've been working on this play for weeks and tomorrow is opening night. I can't wait to see it all finished!

What are some exciting things happening in your life?!

Lovely Adverts.

Honestly, the commercials here are just better:

Lovely Monday, Lovelies!

I'm not sure if I've mentioned this before, but I love children's books. The way we write, illustrate and narrate for children is a fascinating way of examining culture and society. Yesterday I was walking down Grassmarket (I'm in Edinburgh now) after leaving this phenomenal knitting/ yarn shop called K1, when I stopped into a gifts, toys and book store whose name I do not know. I shuffled over to the back, and started scanning the children's books. I picked up one about a little girl called Katie Morag, the one I read was "Katie Morag and Tiresome Ted," and I was hooked. I sat on the floor reading about Katie Morag, and baby Liam and their mother the postmaster of their island, and Grannie Island and Granma Mainland.

When I came home and told my mother all about Katie Morag and the great illustrations and how I loved the comfortableness of the books she looked at me funny. Why, if I loved the books so much, had I not bought one? It would be a great souvenir and addition to my collection. Yes, I thought, sometimes that mom character is right. So I was so pleased today when I went to the Museum of Childhood on the Royal Mile to see that they had Katie Morag in their gift shop. "Katie Morag and the Dancing Class" and I left together. And personally, I believe it is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

Happy Weekend!

Happy Friday, Loves! It's been one long week for me so I am really looking forward to cuddling up on the couch with my new book, a warm blanket, some Full bars, and him. What are you all doing this weekend? Shopping? Errands? Visiting friends? Do tell! If you're like me and need some serious downtime, check out these adorable websites and let us know if you come across any lovely websites this weekend!

• I am totally digging Country Porch Primitives! This country decor store, based in Amish Country in Morgantown Pennsylvania, features some of the most adorable, classic, and traditional country style items for your home. I love their lamps, tablecloths, and decorating ideas. Can't wait to buy some things from them for my kitchen!
• I've been lusting after the Dash and Albert Rug Company's Aquinnah Woven Cotton Tote Bag. I love the idea that this company, which mainly makes rugs, also features these beautiful and sturdy bags.
• I think my most favorite website find of recent, GoldenHook, came from Jenny's lovely homme. I adore the concept behind this French website (go top left on page for English translation of website). They have French grandmothers custom knitting, crocheting, and creating scarves, hats, mittens, and such for you! You order a custom design and a real, love French grand-mere hand makes it for you! What a great idea! I love that you can meet the grandmothers, too!

Have a great weekend, everyone! And remember, help me figure out what I want for my birthday...!

Help a Lovely Man Out!

By now, I think most of you know me pretty well. I love headbands, rings, new music, dresses, cooking, customized gifts, and of course, budget style and decorating. Well, I need your help! My birthday is in about two weeks and Eric is at a loss of what to get me! He's a perfectionist when it comes to presents (I got a beautiful heart shaped curio chest for Valentine's Day! I love it because it makes all my jewelry look like it's in a museum; he even put new earrings in it for when I opened it up.) but he hasn't had all the time in the world lately to search the 'net for gifts, and on his only time to shop, I'm usually tagging along.

So, lovelies, what are some great present ideas for me?! What's been your favorite present to get from your significant other? What do you usually get them? Help a man out!

My Banjo Man!

Birthday Girl Dress: March Pisces!

Happy Birthday to all those March Pisces out there! Today's dress is a little prep, a little flirt, and a lot of "Come on, Springtime!" The A-Line Floral Dress from Charlotte Russe (which I think is a lovely store, and totally underrated) has a beautiful mix of purples, blues, and whites. Perfect for the Pisces girl who loves the ocean and beach, but also loves the glimmer of the moon on the waves. I love the compliment of the purples with the blues, it makes the watery effect of the floral stand out. I paired the dress with an adorable purple bow-headband. I'm sorry, I just can't stop myself. You could easily pair this dress with a simple cream colored headband, too. I also love these classic looking Painted Flower earrings. They look vintage, and I love that because they are flowers, they pair nicely with the floral print in the dress. Also, this dress would look amazing with a simple pair of pearls or diamond studs. This outfit reminds me of the first days of Spring, when March is deciding whether it wants to be a lion or lamb. Pair this ensemble with a white or blue cardigan and you're good to go for those lion-y days!

PS. Also digging this dress...gee, I wonder why! You think I have a type? Nah.

St Rule's Tower (of Terror)

St Rule's Tower (of Terror) from Genevieve Dreizen on Vimeo.

Yesterday I ventured down to the St Andrews Cathedral Ruins by myself. I knew I wanted to climb St Rule's Tower, but I had no idea what to expect. It was honestly one of the scariest, and most beautiful experiences of my life. As nerve-wracking as climbing up was (how high does this go? How many more steps? Is today going to be the day this 1,000 year old tower just crumbles? What will happen if I slip and fall?) climbing down was even scarier. There's nothing quite like imperfect stone spiral stairs to make one realize how deeply terrifying and high a tower is. But I made it, and the view was totally worth it.

Help Me Dress Professionally!

Good day, Loves. Because I work at a prep school, sometimes I enjoy dressing ultra-prep and having fun with what I wear to work. I thought I'd share Wednesday's Head-to-Toe with you all, and pose a question. I'm sporting a pink prep outfit today and would have loved to pair this ensemble with a cute headband. However, while trying on my various headbands (and still lusting after the ones in my Forever21 bag), I realized that wearing a headband with a little bow may not be the most professional thing in the world to wear to teach students. I wanted to know you opinion, is wearing a headband with a bow unprofessional? What about if it totally matches the outfit? I ended up with a simple plastic cream colored band today, but when Spring comes, I'd love to have cute hair accessories to match with my Spring things.

Wednesday's Head-to-Toe!

Headband: Bought at Walmart in a pack of six plastic headbands for $2. Score.
Earrings: Gold and pink, probably from Claires, many moons ago.
Shirt: An early surprise birthday present from my Grandma! She loves ruffles, so she loved this Women's Long Sleeve Chambray Ruffle Front Shirt from Lands End. It's super comfortable and I can't wait to wear it with a straw hat, boots, and shorts this summer!
Pants: Old Navy pink khakis from pre-college days.
Belt: Vera Bradley fabric belt. The only belts I wear!
Shoes: Cream colored fake Uggs. It's cold here!

So, Beauts, help me out: to bow or not to bow?

Is it professional to wear a headband with a bow to work?

• Yes!
• Never!
• Yes, if the bow is small.
• Yes, if the headband is a neutral color.
• Yes, if the color is neutral and the bow is small.

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A Lovely Set of (cheap!) Headbands

Happy Tuesday, Lovelies! I know many, many of you out there are on a serious frivolous spending budget, as I am. So, when I came across this set of beautiful headbands from Forever21, I knew I just had to share this great find with you (almost all of these sitting in my shopping cart, waiting for me to click "buy"). I don't understand the mystique behind "the headband." Why are they so expensive at certain stores (at JCrew, a headband is twenty-five dollars, WHY?!), but here at Forever, all of these are under $5? I know, obviously, material makes a difference, but aren't all headbands ultimately made in the same way? A plastic headband is a plastic headband--enough said.

I adore this selection of headbands because most of them come in multiple colors, most of them are actually under $3 and you can buy them without that "Ugh, I am so never going to wear this, so why am I buying this?!" feeling. Even if you just display these pretty headbands, you're not wasting money. I have this serious spending issue: it's called "I'll spend a fortune on my loved ones, but can't even buy thrift store clothing for myself." Seriously. I have no problem buying Jenny, Eric, or my girls lavish gifts, but yesterday I went to the thrift store and couldn't even bring myself to buy a Gap skirt from 1990 and an old suede jacket for myself. In total it was $10. I literally put the stuff down and walked out. Hello?! What's wrong with me?! Anyone else do this? However, I am going to buy these headbands. Do I need them? No. Do I want them? Yes. Is my birthday soon? Yes. Reason enough.

Which ones would you buy? Does anyone else have issues spending money on themselves?

1. Everyday Bow Headband; 2. Favorite Satin Bow Headband; 3. Floral Mesh Satin Headband; 4. Faux Pearl Headband Set; 5. Signature Satin Bow Headband; 6. Side Bow Headband; 7. Satin Side Bow Headband; 8. Satin Bow Headband

Lovely!

I knew I liked that pitcher! It looked so familiar, no wonder!