And Now, From Lovely...!

As promised, here's two of the new finds from Lovely's store!

The Gertrude Vintage Bag
($50)
The Gertrude Bag is a brown faux-leather vintage bag perfect for a laptop, books, iPad, Kindle, or to use overnight. This would look great on either men or women.
It may be vintage, but it's never been used, and is spotless on the inside. Inside is a side pocket. There is an outside pocket which closes with a clasp. The bag has a long strap, which can be worn on shoulder or over the body. The zipper is in perfect condition, as is all the metal finishes. The front of the bag features a buckle embellishment, and the back has a stamped "A" in it. It is a handsome bag, huge on the inside, and very strong.
This bag is ideal for traveling because it has feet on the bottom!
Perfect for those days when you pack everything up in a bag and don't know exactly when you'll see your house again...it's always an adventure with the Gertrude bag on your side!

Free shipping on this bag (if shipped within the US)!

The Twain Vintage Overnighter
($50)

Did you ever feel like packing it all up in one big bag and going where the wind takes you? If you have, than this is the bag for you!
This light brown, faux leather bag is a must have for the traveling soul. It's spotless inside, with a large pocket. The outer pocket is large enough for papers, phone, and wallet; it has a secure zipper. The bag opens wide, and closes with a zipper. The faux leather has a cracked, worn feel about it, perfect for throwing in the back of a Jeep, on a boat, or stowing away on a plane. The bag is big enough for a laptop, as well. The bag has feet, making it ideal for traveling, for it stands on its own. The handle is long enough to throw over your shoulder or body. It has a buckle. This is a uni-sex bag, and is more than strong enough to hold all your important belongings!

Free shipping on this bag (if shipped within the US)!

Coming soon...It's Here!

Hi loves! Happy Tuesday. Like I promised (both to you, and myself), I've been busy working on Lovely's store...and I wanted to give you all a sneak peak at one of our new items! This is the "Gertrude Faux-Leather Vintage Mail Bag." It's a gorgeous brown faux-leather bag, big enough to hold books, an iPad, a Kindle, and so forth. It has an outer pocket, and it's never been used! It's clean as can be on the inside. It has a thick strap which can be worn over the body or on your shoulder. Also coming soon...the "Cecilia Vintage Faux-Leather Overnighter" (looks similar to the Gertrude), the "Susie Faux-Leather Brown Clutch," and many more bags, accessories, clutches, and vintage finds! I'm so excited to share them with you all. I'll post the link to the Gertrude bag as soon as it's up! If you could name a bag, what would it be?

Lovely Chicago Ideas.

Here is a question: how is it that in the span of our relationship I have been to Chicago zero times and Luis has been to Chicago 2 times and is coming up on a third trip? How is that fair? I'll tell you how it's fair: it isn't. But I will comfort myself with this: Luis has asked me what I want from Chicago and I've gone Etsy crazy. I told him I want something distinctive and unique-- it doesn't have to be uniquely Chicago ("I don't need, like, Chicago style hot dog earrings"), but it does need to be locally created, and conceived. Here's what I've fallen in love with so far. Let's hope some of these places have store fronts.

I love this Vintage Jewelry Lion Headband from Wicked Pen. What a great July present for this Leo Lady.

I have a thing for Lockets, so it's not surprise that I also want this Fairytales - Scent Locket Necklace from Je T'Aime Boutique.

I love all the fantastic detail and pen work on this Love Letter Plate from A Quartzy Life. What a sweet idea for a Valentine's Day Present, what a lovely easy way to decorate.

Check out the other great Etsians creating and selling from Chicago!

So, Lovelies, any suggestions of what I just must ask for from Chicago? I don't want to miss out on anything! I want the best that the Windy City has to offer, what's your best thought, dear readers?

Fourth Attire!

Hi Lovelies! It's the week of the Fourth of July, which means everyone and their mother will be bustin' out their red, white, and blue attire. Now, don't get me wrong, I am all for celebrating the holidays by wearing the holiday's color (I have a mean pair of Christmas elf pajamas), but I like to celebrate the holiday in style. There's no need to overdo it when it comes to dressing the part, you can show you're patriotic, love America, and love red, white, and blue, while still looking classy and amazing. Check out these outfit finds which are not only perfect for The Fourth of July, but will keep you feeling and looking cool (and your money in your wallet!).

Jersey Bow Band Dress ($17.80); Lacquer Strip Earrings ($3.80); Printed Ropes Tote ($5.80)
=Total price of outfit: $27.40 (!)

Coral Red Short Summer Dress in Crinkled Linen ($45); Aqua Drops - Brilliant Blue Crystal Briolette Earrings ($10); Kenzie Flower Headband ($10)=Total price of outfit: $65

Which outfit is more YOU for the Fourth?

Some Things I Want!

Hello, my gorgeous readers! It's Friday, it really, really is! Friday's got me hankering for some things I want and do not need-- check them out below! So, Loves, what do you want, but certainly don't need?

Things I want. by Genevieve Dreizen featuring Forever21 dresses

Forever21.com - Dresses - Dressy - 2000003243, $25
Forever21.com - Dresses - Casual - 2000001519, $23
Forever21.com - Dresses - Casual - 2074809303, $23
Hermes enamel bracelets, Hermes enamel bangles | Hermes.com, $660
Hermes enamel bracelets, Hermes enamel bangles | Hermes.com, $460
Forever21.com - Accessories - Jewelry - 1076528744, $5.80
Apple iPhone 4 Release Date June 24 2010 | Buzz Beast

A Long Island Staple: Tate's Cookies!

So, for the fourth of July, Mr. Banjo man and I are traveling to good ol' NJ to spend the long weekend with his entire extended family. I cannot wait. However, I don't want to show up empty handed, so with the help of Jenny and my Grandmother, we came up with the idea of making a giant basket of goodies to bring with me, (think: Little Red Riding Hood). I'm definitely going to make a few items to throw in there, but I also wanted to stuff the basket full of Long Island specialties. When I think about Long Island goodies, the first thing which comes to mind are Tate's Cookies. Based out of Southampton, Kathleen King owns Tate's Bake Shop; Tate's makes a very unique and very delicious cookie which are sold not only on Long Island, but across the country. They were even featured on Rachael Ray as the Snack of The Day! Eric adores these cookies, so I'm excited to buy some up and package them nice and pretty for the basket (okay, who am I kidding, Jenny is wrapping up everything for me because she's awesome at it). While looking around the web for things about Tate's, I found the recipe for the cookies! Tate's Bake Shop has their own cookbook with many recipes for not just cookies, but cakes, breads, and other mouthwatering, can't-put-them-down treats. Have you ever had a Tate's cookie?

PS. They also do wedding favors! Imagine getting these cookies as a giveaway...yum.

Lovely Things.

Here's a truth: sometimes life is exhausting. Sometimes, you want to come home from work and just watch television, drink coffee and not. talk. to. anyone. Not that I know anyone whose having that sort of day, certainly not.

Here are the measures I took today when I got home to turn my frown up-side down (yes, I did.)

1. I got home and switched out of my work clothes into pajamas I am not only comfy in, but feel a sort of glamorous in as well: Old Navy black lounge shorts and a grey American Apparel Tri-Blend Light Weight Raglan Pullover. I love puttering around the house in something comfy that doesn't feel like I've totally given up. I am a true believer in the bare shoulder-- it somehow effortlessly makes me feel cute, cozy and (in a very weird way) put together.

2. Then I made sure to sit in our new chair and a half (bought for one tenth the price at Macy's Warehouse --super lovely prices!) with pillows arranged just so.

3. Then I forced the dog to sit with me. And pretended that she really want to sit with me and totally wasn't annoyed at her crazy owner for never leaving her alone. Sort of like in this picture.

4. I sat down with some coffee and delicious trail mix-- something like Etsy seller Daily Delish's Agave Nectar Granola is the ticket. My trick to comfort food is something that is a bit of a splurge but not a killer.

There's nothing worse than coming out of a funk to find you've also gained a few new friends in the form of pounds. I can only imagine how delicious this granola is! I am salivating over the pictures even now.

My plan succeeded putting me in a better mood-- and my funk was totally thrown when I had to rush out to Greenvale to assist Luis with some car issues. I was not only happy to see my handsome boyfriend, but I also think I saw Kanye West in Wheatley Plaza. And! I got a frappuccino. What I'm trying to say is that my day totally turned around. So, how was your day, lovelies?

This Equals That: White Denim Shorts Edition

Okay, ModCloth, I love you, you know I do...but, when I stumbled across these white denim shorts for $89.99 my mouth dropped open. I know I may be cheap sometimes, but I just simply don't understand why these shorts would be ninety dollars. I'm in the camp which believes that fashion is not just throwing on the most expensive designer piece, but making yourself look amazing, feel amazing, and be amazing with what you have and can afford to spend. Therefore, check out this little chart: for the same price of the one pair of white denim jean shorts, you can buy six pairs of practically the same white denim shorts...and still have $11.79 left over to spend on a cute top!

1. Classic Belted Shorts, $8.80; 2. Zippered Sides Denim Short, $17.80; 3. Basic Denim Shorts, $12.50; 4. 5-Pocket Twill Short, $7.50; 5. Daisy Denim Short, $15.80; 6. Cutoff Denim Shorts, $15.80

Which Would You Wear? Patterned Dresses!

Sometimes it's fun to ditch the solid colors and party it up with a pattern. Check out these two adorable ModCloth dresses, both under $50, which have lovely patterns, sure to make your wardrobe pop! The Into the Wildflower dress (left) would look sweet and perfect with a straw hat, boots, and a jean jacket for those windy country nights. The Community Organizer dress (right) would be perfectly paired with a pair of cute sneakers (think: Keds), or if you're feeling dressy, any pair of white/red/blue heels would turn this dress from a day-to-night look. Which one of these well-priced pattern dresses would you wear?

Adorable Kitchen Towels

Happy Wednesday, loves! How are you all doing on this very hot day? Jenny and I are hanging out with our very funny grandmother and waiting for dinner to finish cooking. What are you all having tonight for dinner? I tried a new recipe today in the crockpot...Jambalaya! More to come on that later this week. Anyway, check out these unique and adorable tea/kitchen towels, sure to perk up any kitchen's look!

Dancing Queens...

Next week something very exciting is happening: dance class starts! I love taking dance classes in the summer because it makes me move, I get to have fun, and I always learn the newest, freshest music during class (so I don't look like such a loser with my students the following year, ha!). Check out these dance inspired Etsy items; maybe they will inspire you to start moving those feet! (Full disclosure: I dance while cleaning the apartment!)

I love this mixed media print from Art by Trudy; the girl in the picture looks so happy in the rain! (And, I happen to love this quote, too!)

What a great gift this Dirty Dancing inspired necklace would make! (From Silver Fawn Studio) PS. I laughed out loud at this "I carried a watermelon" magnet!

How cute is this dancer girl print from Studio Mela? This would be adorable in a little girl's room!

And just because I am in love with this.

Hipstamatic, Baby.

Although Jenny posted about her (and our) weekend, check out these adorable pics I got with the Hipstamatic application on my phone of two of my favorite people!

Who are your fave people to snap pics of?

Lovely Chicago Style!

Eric was sick last week. I felt so bad, the poor guy was sneezing and coughing up a storm! Since I was home all week (and for the whole summer...ah, love the life of a teacher!), I decided it would be nice to give him a taste of home, literally. Let me jump back a few steps here: recently in town, a new fast food place opened up: Bad Dawgs Hot Dogs. Eric was super excited about this new place because they featured a Chicago style hot dog; having spent many years in Chicago, Eric couldn't wait to try his beloved hot dog in his new hometown on Long Island. I, of course, took this new place opening as a personal challenge. With the help of Collin, my brother, we spent over an hour in the supermarket trying to get the perfect ingredients for my Chicago style dogs. What's in a Chicago style hot dog? White (or Vidalia) onions, chopped up; a sweet relish; dill pickle spear; yellow mustard; tomato wedges; celery salt; and of course, a Vienna beef hot dog. Oh, and you can't forget the poppy seed bun, which by the way, is no where to be found in my local markets, and sport peppers. I walked around the market for a good twenty minutes yelling, "What the #$@! are sport peppers?!" I wasn't so lovely about it. I found a website which said to substitute peperoncini 's (which Eric actually liked better!), so it all worked out. When he got home from work I had displayed on the counter all the ingredients, which you see in the picture. I made him guess what was for dinner, and he was thrilled when he figured it out. We made them and he was so happy to have them that he forgot about his cold altogether!

Flash forward to last weekend, Eric and I were out late in town and passed by Bad Dawgs. He decided to stop in and try their Chicago style dog. The people there were super nice and very excited to be working there; they even had authentic sport peppers and a poppy seed bun! However, Eric took one bite of the dog and was underwhelmed. He claimed mine were better! Score one for New York girl making Chicago style dogs! I have to say, making the dogs was pretty cheap (all the ingredients were under $20) and pretty healthy...it's all just variations of pickles, tomatoes, onions, and mustard. I was proud of myself for copying something famous and getting it somewhat right! Have you ever made/had a Chicago style dog?

Happy Monday, Lovelies!

Hello, dear readers! How was your weekend? Mine was great and exhausting! Luis and I were pleased to host the wonderful Tracey and Robert this weekend. They came out Friday night, and we whisked them off to Huntington where they picked hibachi-- we had so much fun catching (or not catching, in my case) zucchini in our mouths, and watching the masters do their work! Samurai is great, as is its sister restaurant Tomo-- the food is delicious (hibachi and sushi alike), but don't plan on going there and having a conversation. We sat next to a 15th birthday party and were driven to hysterical laughter with, as Luis calls it, "Gossipgirl Gossipgirl gossipGirl, gossipgirl Gossip Girl?" conversation. The girls were having a blast, and that's really all that matters, though! And we had a lot of fun yelling at each other over the table, restaurant noise and clamoring of plates.

Saturday we headed out to the Tanger Outlets in Riverhead-- quite a drive, but totally worth it. Luis got blue swim shorts (not pictured), khakis, and red shorts (they look redder in the photo) from Brooks Brothers, and a white button down and a grey tie (not pictured, but for like $7) from American Apparel. I picked up some goodies at American Apparel too, and got the softest comfiest yoga pants from Victoria's Secret, for $4--every piece of clothing in the store was $4, it's amazing. They were also selling underwear for $2 a pair. It was a very successful trip to the outlets-- but I'm always ready to go back, who's in?


For a late dinner we went to a new favorite and standard go-to-- Almarco on Wall Street. They are consistently good; the food, the service, the decor is always really lovely. Tracey and Robert loved it too, which made me very happy. I loved how they didn't rush us out as we closed the place down chatting about college over espressos and phenomenal chocolate cake.

Father's Day was all about relaxing (for us, but ostensibly for our Dads!)--how was your weekend, lovelies? Any great restaurants, stores, outlet deals to suggest?

Basil Cookies?!

After the postal worker said my cookies were "original," I started thinking about weird flavors to put in cookies. For some reason my mind was stuck on basil. I couldn't stop thinking about basil cookies; I didn't even know if they existed already, but I knew I wanted to research it and find out. And find out, I did! I came across two delicious looking recipes (I'm on a recipe/cooking/baking kick, have you figured that out yet? It's the Summer-Vacation Olivia coming out! I bought Mark Bittman's "How To Cook Everything" yesterday and I can't wait to delve into it.). The first recipe for Basil Cookies, from the adorable blog, "Gastronomy" looked like a very easy to follow, simple, and thoroughly explained recipe (I love when recipes have step-by-step pictures, don't you?). The other recipe, for Lemon-Basil Snaps, is from YumSugar (actually, the recipe is from Southern Living, which I happen to love. I'm Southern by association, aren't I?). These cookies look so light and fresh! I bet they would be amazing with homemade iced tea. Don't feel like baking? Order these Cinnamon Basil Tea Cookies from the Foodzie store, Botanical Bakery in Napa, California. As they say on their website, "Sure they are an unlikely pair, yet they have a lot in common: They both have anti-bacterial and antioxidant qualities, and they reduce glucose levels in the blood. With the first bite you recognize basil, then cinnamon slowly sets in with passion. Swaying back and forth. Cinnamon and basil. Basil and cinnamon, in our buttery, all natural tea cookies, baked thoughtfully in small batches." Sounds good to me! Would you attempt to make a basil based cookie? I love this idea!

Picture courtesy of Botanical Bakery.

Wonderful Wednesday!

Hi Lovelies! It's Wednesday...we're getting closer to the weekend! Today, while on line in Starbucks, a very pretty pregnant woman came up to me and said, "Where is your bag from?! I love it!" I told her it was my Lands End tote, and I thanked her; I found it slightly funny that she thought my simple tote bag was wonderful. It left a giant smile on my face! When I was at the post office, I was sending the package of cookies to Eric's dad and the postal worker asked if anything was perishable in the package. I told her they were cookies; she asked what type. I told her they were "Banana-coconut" and she smiled and said, "Now, that's original!" And, that too made me smile from ear to ear. I love being out in the world and spreading love, and I love when others spread that love back! There's nothing I love more than complimenting people I don't know; you never know what that compliment means to them! So, check out this "Give Good" print from Studio Mela; it pretty much sums up everything I'm feeling!

Father's Day Cookies

I love traditions. I love the idea that certain people collect certain things, or love certain foods, and whenever you make or buy something along those lines, you will always be reminded of those certain people. When I first met Eric, he told me his father loved banana and coconut together. So, when Eric's dad, Ron (on the left, with Eric), first came to visit us out here on the East Coast, I made him a banana-coconut cream pie. It was a hit! He loved it. When we went out to Illinois, I made it again, the day before I left, and a little birdie told me that Ron didn't share that pie with a single soul. Unfortunately we can't be with Ron this Father's Day, but that didn't stop me from upholding tradition. (Ron, if you're reading this, stop here!). I wanted to be able to send him something that I know he would love to eat; therefore, when I googled "Banana Cookies" and found this recipe, I knew it would be a perfect gift to send to a very deserving dad. I love this recipe because it's simple so I could doll it up! And indeed I did: I added chocolate chips and coconut. The cookies puff up beautifully (because of the mixture of the baking soda and banana) and smell amazing. I can't wait to send them out to Illinois!

Getting ready to bake!

The dough was super sticky.

Finished result!

Lovely Father's Day Gifts

Has anyone else noticed that Father's Day is right around the corner? We haven't even gotten our dad a birthday present yet (Happy 50th, Papa!) and I'm expected to find something for Father's Day (times two for Olivia and I, and then there's grandpas too...)? Sheesh, what am I? A present producing machine?

Well, recently I've been into bow ties, such a lovely accessory. I'm digging their whole summery vibe, the idea of a bow tie and a pair of khakis. I love these casual looking bow ties from Me and Mathilda. Like this blue seersucker one, or this creamsicle coral seersucker one. These ties are all the J. Crew look at a fraction of the J. Crew price and with none of the corporate sellout feeling I get whenever I can buy something off Etsy and don't!

I actually think I'll be buying one for a non-Dad in my life. The teacher-family friend who served as a recommendation for my awesome job considers his hallmark the bow tie. Or, I consider it his hallmark. Either way he wears them a lot. And I just love these for him, so lovely and non pretentious.

Make sure to check out the rest of the great wares from Me and Mathilda, like the Everyday Necktie Lime Green and Pink Dots, the Everyday Necktie Medium Check Orange Gingham and the Everyday Necktie Lime Gingham. They're all so delicious looking!

p.s. I'm so obsessed with Seersucker, I want a seersucker dress, any ideas?
p.p.s. My prom date, Audie, wore a vintage seersucker suit to prom. Seriously.

Monday Miniatures!

Happy Monday, loves! How was your weekend? Ours was packed with family, parties, and lots and lots of food! We celebrated our father's 50th birthday in Manhattan with a ton of very silly family members. Since we're all tired from the weekend, I'll spare you on the reading, and let you just check out the pictures of this beyond adorable miniature food from Etsy. Here at Lovely, we love miniatures so much, we even wear them! I just love these hand crafted doll-house pieces so much that I'm thinking of making some shadowboxes to hang around the apartment. You can never outgrow your love of dollhouses and miniatures! (These people have a serious hobby in dollhouse-ing!)

This miniature wine and cheese set from Bebe Toby is sure to provide hours of endless fun for the people living in your dollhouse.

I have to say, this Carrot Cake from Hummingbird Miniature looks mouthwatering!

This miniature gingerbread house from Little Time Wasters would be a great addition for decorating your dollhouse for the holidays.

How fantastic is this mini bento box (also from Bebe Toby); I love modern twists on dollhouse food!

Congratulations...

Deborah! You've won the Falling Whistles Raffle! I'm excited to present Deborah with her new Falling Whistle at tomorrow's 50th birthday party! We'll be sure to take pictures.


Make sure to check Deborah out on her beautiful company, Envelopements, blog.

Thank you all who participated-- together we are donating right around $250 to Falling Whistles, a final count in happening soon!

Falling Whistles Raffle Ends Today, Lovelies!

You have 6 hours left to buy tickets for our Falling Whistles Raffle! Come, donate! You could win a great whistle, which whistles really, really loud!

I'm so excited for the drawing this evening, which will very well take place at the salon (I'm getting my hair cut today). Donate soon: remember, you have to be in it to win it!

Last, Last, Last Day!!

Hey lovelies! Don't forget...tomorrow is the last, last, last day to donate to the raffle to win a whistle and help out the amazing cause, Falling Whistles! We'll be announcing the winner on Monday, and all of the donations are going to help out children in the midst of the war in the Congo. If you're going to do something good this month (and we all know your New Years Resolutions was to help our world more!), than donate a dollar to Falling Whistles and you just might win one!

Let's Stamp It Out!

Hey all! It's a rainy afternoon here on Long Island. Jenny and I are camped out at our grandmother's house, taking silly pictures, and being lazy. In the meantime, check out this amazing Etsy find from the beautiful Maya of Loving With Chronic Illness. I have to say, this girl definitely knows my style! How cool is this custom couples stamp from Lili Mandrill's shop? What a great bridal shower gift this would make! And think of all the cute invitations you could make with this stamp; it's like a custom signature for the couple! Now I want to go stamp up a storm...thanks for the find, Maya!

An Afternoon Tea Necklace

I'm doing some Spring Cleaning and I was going through my jewelry box when I stumbled upon a beautiful necklace...how cute is my teacup and spoon necklace from the outstanding Lilliput Studios? We've gushed about how much we love this adorable and unique store before, but I wanted to take a moment and show you how gorgeous their pieces are. The necklace is so well made, hangs perfectly, and is sure to make anyone stop and ask you where you got it! My current fave from their store? Why, the Emily Boot Necklace, of course! It's a miniature wellie on a chain--how could you not love that?!


(Necklace generously provided by Lilliput Studios)

Stay-cation on Long Island!

This weekend, Eric and I were supposed to go to a Bluegrass Festival...but of course, we had to have not one, but two cars taken care of (one was towed! Poor car!), so we ended up not going after all. However, we were both sorta bummed that we weren't going to have our mini-vaycay, so we decided to go out to Stony Brook village for the day to walk around and have a little stay-cation on good ol' Long Isle. We went to The Long Island Museum of American Art, History, and Carriages, as well as a quick walk through the Stony Brook grist mill. It was wicked hot outside, and we ended up getting to the museum just before closing, but somehow, this worked in our favor and we got to explore the whole 5 acre museum for a dollar each! Score one for us.

This is the scene from the Grist Mill--which actually is still used today!

At the museum, which is a bunch of different buildings, they have recreations, and some authentic slices of life from older days, such as this adorable (and so very hot inside!) one room school house.

The carriage collection is by far the best part of the museum. It was pretty darn cool to see vehicles which were actually used during a time before paved roads and GPS.

The museum was having a show on "America's Kitchens," but, the collection was pretty lame, to be quite honest (I kid you not, they had a George Forman grill in the collection...uh, yeah). However, it was cool to see this hutch, with all the tools inside, because my grandma has the same one!

Lovely Etsy Find

How perfect would this print look in Olivia and Eric's apartment? I just love this Vintage Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Print from Draw and Quartered on Etsy. I was meant to draw Olivia and Eric a number of instruments for Christmas but never quite got around to getting them printed poster size. Man, I'm lazy. So lazy in fact that I would gladly buy this gorgeous print for them in place of my own work.


I know they'd love it, so who can blame me? I mean, I just want Eric and Olivia to be happy. And...maybe to get to purchase this fantastic piece. I also love these recipe gift cards, this Golden Renaissance Necklace (a Mona Lisa necklace? So funky!) and this card set of a bear fishing from Draw and Quartered!