Lovely At Your Side

Valentine's Day Mixes (+ a story)

2012-02-13T14:07:00.002-05:00

Happy Galentine’s Day, lovelies!*

Since tomorrow is Valentine’s Day, I took the liberty of diverging from my usual blog topics to take advantage of the season and instead of updating you on the status of Dan’s office (you’re on the edge of your seat, I know) I thought that I would actually talk about Dan. Awwww. I’m warning you, this might be an over share and you might throw up in your mouth a little bit. Let me take a second to get uncharacteristically mushy. I know Liv is a huge fan of “how did you two meet?” stories and since I’ve never done a proper history of our relationship I thought it would be fun to start the day with a little nostalgia.

I met Dan when I was 16 on a church retreat. Yes, you did just read church retreat. Catholic teen retreats, where all the best hook ups happen in high school. We didn’t exactly hit it off. On the bus down to our retreat, I was playing a game with some friends. You know those games you play in the car that are like bred out of pure boredom? In this one the object was to name a movie that started with the last letter in the last word of the movie the person before you said. Like I said pure and utter boredom. Anyway, I had the unfortunate task of trying to think of a movie that started with the letter ‘y’. Now if you didn’t know already, I am an insanely competitive person, so I was not about to lose because I couldn’t think of a movie that started with ‘y’.

Since I spent much of high school perfecting the art of looking down my nose at people with glasses perched at the tip of my nose, I figured “I got this, I’ll make up something and say it was a documentary. These philistines will never know the difference!” and I did pretty much the lamest thing, cheated at a stupid game on a church retreat. “Y? Hmmm, of yeah “Yellowriver”. I saw it a few weeks ago. It’s an independent film about China.” For about 30 glorious seconds I watched as the group chewed on it and agreed that I was just weird enough to have seen something that boring. That’s when he appeared.

From over the top of the seat in front of me wearing a Less Than Jake hat askew, “I work at an independent movie theatre and I’ve never heard of a movie called the Yellowriver. You. Made. That. Up.” Game over. Who was the snide round-faced villain ruining my game and my pride? Why Dan Maxwell obviously, apparently one of the girls in the group had a mad crush on him at the time and was psyched that he was gracing us with his presence. And that was the start of my anti-Dan Maxwell years which lasted until about 18 when I got a job at the same record store that he was working at (he had since moved from the “independent” movie theatre). He randomly asked me a few months after I started working with him if I also wanted an internship at Vagrant Records. Uh duh. I didn’t realize it was just a ploy to hang out with me.

Boy couldn’t seal the deal though; it took him from 2005 to 2008 before we actually got together. Oh and I made him write me a song before I agreed to go out with him. But that’s a story for another time. Music has always been a massive part of our lives (that and one up-ing each other on our indie cred) so last night I thought it would be cute to make each other playlists like we used to do when we first started dating. The links to the playlists are below and if you have Spotify you can listen to them! Happy Valentine’s Day from Dan and Ali!

Ali’s Valentine’s Day Mix For Dan

Dan’s Valentine’s Day Mix For Ali

* If you don’t watch Parks and Recreation (and seriously, why not?) Galentine’s Day is the day before Valentine’s Day where you and your lady friends celebrate loving each other. Obviously my number one lady crush Amy Poehler would come up with a holiday that awesome. To all my ladies – love you bunches, you all rock.

Budget Decorating: The Elusive Classy Barstool

2012-02-13T08:54:00.000-05:00

Something I didn't know before getting the new house was how much money a nice stool, for under the kitchen counter, costs. I thought we'd budget like maybe $50 a stool (we want three of them), but when we started looking around, I couldn't find any I wanted for under $100! (and believe me, my taste isn't that expensive, even the simple wooden ones ran in the $50 range). We loved the Caden Nailhead Barstools at (where else) Pottery Barn, but they were upwards of $200 and more dollars! For a stool?! No thanks. So, I found it pretty hilarious when I was looking around on Teva Living and came across a barstool which looked...pretty much the same as the Pottery Barn one. The dimensions are even very close! The Caden Nailhead Barstool from Pottery Barn (in the medium size) measures 18.5 inches wide, 11.5 deep, and 26 inches high, whereas the Marant Stool made from Reclaimed Elm measures 18 inches wide, 12 deep, and 22 inches high. Very close! I even prefer the Teva Living one because it's made from reclaimed pine from old buildings--love that!

Can you tell any major difference between the two?

Top: Caden Nailhead Barstool, Pottery Barn
Bottom: Marant Stool, Teva Living

A Lovely Luggage Giveaway from Luggage Online!!

2012-02-10T11:52:00.000-05:00

So I'm headed out of town this weekend, which of course has me thinking about my luggage. Which is of course never good enough. I have been pretend shopping (pretend shopping: when you shop with no intent of buying) and was excited to see all the great luggage options Luggage Online has, I mean duh, check out that name.

Luggage Online has been generous enough to giveaway to our readers an Italian leather Laptop holder/Briefcase from McKlein USA W Series, with detachable wheels- for you ladies on the go.

I can picture you now: trench coat, smart pencil skirt and pumps, walking briskly through the airport, coffee in one hand, rolling briefcase with your iPad, a non-wrinkle dress and a dopp kit in the other. Look at you, girl. You look adorable for your one night business trip in Philly, Chicago or Des Moines.

Click through to read details- and questions with answers from Luggage Online's experts. Um, hello, I love that.

Entering could not be easier...you can enter up to SIX times!

For one entry tell us where you'd take the breifcase/laptop holder in the comments section.
For another entry go like us on Facebook, get back here and let us know you liked us in the comments section.
For another entry write on our Facebook wall where you'd take the case.
For YET another go tweet us (@LovelyontheGo) and mention the giveaway- again come back here and leave a comment linking to the tweet.
For still another go tweet Luggage Online (@Luggage) and mention the giveaway- again come back here and leave a comment linking to the tweet.
For another entry go like Luggage Online on Facebook, get back here and let us know you liked us in the comments section.

The lucky winner will be picked at random.

Entry deadline is February 24, at 6PM EST.
Open to Continental US residents only.

Giveaway generously sponsored by LuggageOnline.com

Fabric Friday: Valentine's Day Fabric For All

2012-02-10T11:44:00.000-05:00

In honor of next week being Valentine's Day, I rounded up some of my top picks for Valentine's Day fabrics! What would you make with these? Pillows? Bags? Pillowcases? Would you frame a section of them? (I got the Michael Miller Damsel print below years ago and I love it so much I've never cut into it!)

Coolest Fabric Ever: Looking for Love Want Ad Fabric. This would be so much fun to use for a bride-to-be project! From the Etsy shop, Meacip. $9/yard.

Michael Miller Dear Damsel in Ivory, $8.98/yard

Michael Miller Prom in Gray, $8.98/yard

I Heart U in White/Pink/Red, $7.48/yard

Michael Miller Cocoa Berry Hearts and Flowers Cocoa, $8.98/yard

Michael Miller Aqua Red Heart Strings Pink, $8.98/yard

Finally Free Heavenly Hearts Blue, $8.98/yard

Valentine's Date Night Dresses Galore! (Not One Over $30!!)

2012-02-09T12:00:00.000-05:00

Lovelies, do you have any grand Valentine's Day plans? Eric and I will be...cleaning and unpacking! Alas, I won't be wearing any of these pretty Forever 21 dresses, I'll most likely be wearing black yoga pants and a t-shirt, but hey...a girl can dream, right? I'll be cooking dinner, and perhaps we'll rent a DVD from the library. Exciting, right? Ha. Forever 21 does have an awesome assortment of dresses; I picked all of these because they looked comfortable, sweet, romantic, and girly. Also, they are all under $30! Can't get much better than that, right?

Top: Sweetheart Dress, $19.80; Floral Keyhole Dress, $27.80; Capsleeve Dress With Belt, $16.90
Bottom: Fluttered Sleeve Dress, $19.90; Lace Shift Dress, $24.90; Sweetheart Neckline Dress, $24.80

Top: Painted Rose Dress, $22.80; Distressed Dots Dress, $27.80; Crochet Knitted Shift Dress, $24.80
Bottom: Abstract Scarf Dress, $22.80; Collared Dress, $24.80; Pleated Shift Dress, $19.80

Lovely Decorations

2012-02-09T11:30:00.000-05:00

There is nothing I love more than a good deal. Last pre-Valentine's Day I was happily alone and shopping at Michael's when I noticed that the Valentine's Day stuff was already on sale. Before the day even hit. Like, how is that even a thing? I found this Be Mine banner for $1.99. Clearly, I had to have it. It's a light weight cardboard, so it lasts from year to year, as long as it's kept safely. It's also double sided, so I could use it for a party one day, or something. The sparkly garland is Martha Stewart, originally $12.99. I found it today at Marshall's for $2.99- I figured, it was good to have in my arsenal, for parties or something. But then on the way home it occurred to me what nice seasonal decoration it would be. I put it up in about 45 seconds and I love, love, love it.

Martha Stewart Hanging Dots, Pink Glittered, $12.99

Budget Living: The Leather Chair

2012-02-08T12:21:00.000-05:00

It all started with the chair below: The Brooklyn Leather Armchair from Pottery Barn. It was love at first sight for Eric. He seriously fell head over heels for a chair. A chair that is totally and utterly out of our decorating budget, nonetheless. So, what did we do? We hunted (the modern day hunting, of course) online for a leather chair equivalent, which we could actually (perhaps) afford. We came upon Teva Living, and loved that they have more affordable, yet still great looking, options for leather pieces. We could get three leather chairs from Teva Living for the price of one (ONE!) Pottery Barn chair. I love Pottery Barn, I do...it's a great inspiration...but it's just not realistic for a young couple to be able to afford their pieces. Thank goodness we have the internet to hunt down pieces which would fit our budget and our style!

What do you think, would you buy these chair-equivalents from Teva Living?

The Brooklyn Leather Armchair from Pottery Barn

Vintage Cigar Leather English Club Chair from Teva Living

Chesterfield Leather Armchair from Pottery Barn

Byron Vintage Leather Tub Chair from Teva Living

Manhattan Leather Club Chair from Pottery Barn

Art Deco French Club Chair from Teva Living

Grayson Chair from Pottery Barn

Louise Dining Chair from Teva Living

Lovely Russians

2012-02-08T10:00:00.000-05:00

Clearly, I'm a Russophile. But my love of Russian things began long before Andrey came in my life. Mother and Father Lovely were the heads of the Russian club in high school and even went on a school trip to Russia in 1978. During communism, crazy, right? We always had matroyshka* dolls around the house, big fur hats that had been brought back and lots and lots of family lore (we are of Russian heritage, after all).

I majored in Russian in college. Which introduced me to some wonderful Russkis. It was at one of those Slavic loves parties that another Russki brought a nice Russian guy along. And that is where/when I met Andrey. So, see, the whole Russian major thing is important. And for all those people who said "Russian major, well what're you going to do with that?" My answer is "Meet some really awesome people. Thanks for asking!"

Our Russian class with signs that say "We Love Irina!" We framed the photo for our professor.

Ksenia (of Ksenia weds Bruno fame) and my sweet soon-to-be-Doctor Polina

The Ultra generous Tom and me.

This is all a very long way for me to say that I love these matroyshka doll necklaces from Forever21. I love that #3 is hinged, such a silly cute little detail. I love that #2 is wooden! Why hadn't I thought of that!? All those tiny dolls hanging around, separated from their larger sisters, I could have made them necklaces!

1, $5.80; 2, $1.50; 3, $2.80; 4, $1.96

And while we're here, go check out my matroyshka doll prints on Society6!

Matroyshka Doll Print

Piptroyshka Doll Print

Daisyoshka Doll Print

*Matroyshka dolls are sometimes called babushka dolls or Russian nesting dolls.

Birthday List from Patina

2012-02-07T10:36:00.000-05:00

Patina is an independent shop which features unique, classy, and beautiful jewelry, accessories, and bath and body products...here's my birthday list from Patina:

Aren't these Cascading Leaf Earrings stunning? They're only $12.95! Love them and the price.

I love wearing totally unique jewelry, and these Birdcage Cutout Earrings certainly are original! And, at $12.95, totally affordable, too!

I am a huge scarf and pashmina fan--I love the rich colors of this Wine Brocade Pashmina ! It's only $24, so you don't just have to save it for special events.

I love the soft greens and reds on the Flirty Polka Dot Scarf ($24). I'm such a sucker for polka dots.

Cohabitable: Weekend Wrap-Up!

2012-02-06T13:06:00.001-05:00

Ouch, reality, m’dears, welcome to Monday. I should not be complaining though, I had a pretty great weekend. Dan and I had a few brainstorming sessions for the future of our place and I’m pretty happy with the direction that we’ll be going. Especially since that direction puts IKEA smack in our path. Yes!

We made some really great progress on this catastrophe. Look forward to an great unveiling next week. I promise you’ll be impressed.

Other than that Dan and I shied away from any housebound projects. On Friday, Dan worked the Thurston Moore show at Maxwell’s. He has some exciting news about music and writing coming up and I’m so excited. I did not attend, opting instead to meet my Jersey City crew for brews, vintage shops and Vietnamese food in downtown J.C. (Guys, at first I wrote ‘downton’ instead of ‘downtown’ Freudian slip?). After meeting up at my friend Addie’s apartment, we stopped to check out Another Man’s Treasure. They were celebrating the opening of a new warehouse space with cupcakes and prosecco. I tried on a few marching band coats. Sorry no pictures! I sadly could not purchase anything. My new spending diet made me unable to justify splurging on any vintage clothes. We ended the night at Bar Majestic on Grove Street. I had never been before and I was really digging the general vibe. Minus the music that upon closer inspection was actually just a dude playing YouTube videos through a computer. Give me a break!

On Saturday I had the pleasure of having a private viewing of a collection of Medieval and Renaissance art in the home of the art dealer. I was in my absolute glory. A close friend of my mother’s run a gallery and she invited me after hearing how much I loved the art of the Middle Ages. Unfortunately no pictures here either. I thought it would be uncouth! You can check out the collection’s focal point here feature in the WSJ. Afterwards, I was on the hunt for an egg cream. One wasn’t too hard to find on the Upper East Side.

On Sunday Dan and I got up for a lazy brunch and some shopping on Washington Street. We did not watch the Super Bowl, opting to catch up on the new J.J. Abrams show on Fox, Alcatraz. So far, we love the show.

After a number of crazy weekends this past one was a very welcome respite. I learned that I do not have to do something apartment related. In fact, the small projects I did this weekend were finished by Sunday and I felt a real sense of accomplishment. Last week was really crazy and I felt like everything I touched fell apart so it was nice to feel in control at my own home.

Get excited for next week readers – it’s time for the big unveiling and return of Dan’s office!

If you want more Cohabitable, feel free to follow me on Twitter (@cohabitable)!

Lovely Monday!

2012-02-06T11:36:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday! Here are some shots from my long ago shoot with Hart & Sol.

Fabric Friday: Vintage Looking Fabric (aka: Budget Living with Anthropologie Style)

2012-02-03T10:43:00.000-05:00

In honor of my obsessing over home decor, as of late, I'll be doing Fabric Fridays, where I will post some fun fabric finds that I've come across in my journey to take over the world with my sewing room.

Lovelies, remember when I posted about the oh-so-sweet Handwritten Love Letter Sheets from Anthropologie? Well, as much as I love those sheets, they were a little out of my price range. However, when I was excitedly searching for fabric to make pillows with, I came across these fabrics which could quickly and easily be turned into simply lovely accent pillows. There's a similar look: vintage, photos, handwriting...I love that the colors are still muted and neutral, so they would work as a pillow in any space. (PS. Fabric.com sells pillow forms for a great price!)

PPS. 99% of the time I buy from Fabric.com because they always have free shipping on orders over $35 (not hard for me to obtain), they give 37 inch cuts, you can accrue points with them for savings, and they have awesome customer service. No, they haven't provided me with anything...all of the opinions about the fabric are mine, a quilter and sewer, who loves getting great deals to feed the fabric hoarding.

PPPS. Don't know how to sew a simple pillow cover? Here's a tutorial in 10 easy steps!

Linen Blend Playing Cards in Sand, $19.98/yard

Linen Blend Canvas World Maps in Natural, $19.98/yard

Linen Blend Canvas Foreign Currency in Tan/Multi, $19.98/yard

Linen Blend Canvas Postcards in Tan, $19.98

Perfect Pitch Music Notes in Tan, $8.98/yard

Waverly Pen Pal Parchment, $15.98/yard

Michael Miller Old Script in Black, $8.98/yard

Timeless Treasures French Court Script in Beige, $8.98/yard

Cupcakery Recipes in Beige, $8.98/yard

Comminique Script in Sepia, $8.98/yard

14 Valentine's Day Gifts for Men All Under $14!

2012-02-03T09:52:00.000-05:00

Okay friends, let's be honest here...Valentine's Day is way more about the ladies than the gents, but who says we can't show our men how much we love them this holiday with a special little gift? Like we've said before, giving presents isn't about how much you spend, but showing that you know your loved one with a gift picked out just for them. I picked out gifts for every type o'man here: the silly boys (bacon lollipop and bananaphone!), the handy man (handy man book and match case!), the musician (harmonica!), the traveling man (leather travelling goods!), the stylish man (glasses and hat!), and even the chef (cool trays!). Which one of these 14 gifts under $14 would you get your guy this Valentine's Day? (These would also make cool stocking stuffers!)

Handyman in Your Pocket Book, Best Made Co.; Match Safe, Best Made Co.

Fleece Ear Warmer, Duluth Trading Co.; Hohner Harmonica, Duluth Trading Co.

Bacon Lollipop, Perpetual Kid; Banana Cellphone Handset, Perpetual Kid (yes, this is a tad over $14, but hello, it's a BANANAPHONE!)

Leather Key Chain, Pottery Barn; Silver Plated Engraved Luggage Tag, Pottery Barn;
Pub Beer Mug (monogrammed), Pottery Barn; Leather Business Card Holder, Pottery Barn

F7499 Square Readers, Forever 21; Trapper Hat with Faux Fur Lining, Forever 21

Admit One Tray, Fishs Eddy; Lotto Ticket Tray, Fishs Eddy

It's the Little Things...

2012-02-02T12:30:00.000-05:00

Lovelies, I am so tired today! But, for a good reason...we started the big move last night!! Yes, that deserves two exclamation points. My lovely husband took apart the bed and kitchen table, while I gathered all the clothes and toiletries and we made three trips back and forth to the new house. See our kitchen table and chairs in the new kitchen? I love it. I also love the sliding doors and all the light in that room. I also love that my commute was under 15 minutes. Amazing. Anyway, here's to a multiple cups of coffee day! After school today, I'm off to stock the fridge, pick up dinner, and get geared up (aka, put on sneakers and not Uggs...do not move furniture in Uggs--it hurts after a while!) to move more stuff tonight. It's so exciting going from an apartment to a house...we have a backyard now...and a driveway! Our very own doorbell. Swoon. It's the little things, isn't it?

14 Valentine's Day Gifts for Her All Under $14!

2012-02-02T08:41:00.000-05:00

So, we all know that Valentine's Day is just around the bend. But, sometimes we don't have all the money in the world to spend on our loved one...and that's okay! Because, Valentine's Day is about love, and knowing your significant other, not about proving how much you can spend on them. These 14 gifts are all well under $14, and all of them say something about the person you love. Take for example the Typewriter necklace below: maybe your lady is a blogger or an aspiring writer? This necklace shows that you respect her love for writing, and it doesn't (doesn't even come close to) break the bank. Maybe she's an editor or a teacher? She'd love the Kate Spade pencils or letter holder! Is your gal a crafty chick? She would love the Pillow Kit, or the Latch Hook Kit...maybe she's more into DIY projects? Then she will absolutely love the pink drill bit set or screwdrivers! Is your girl a fashionista? Try the ring or bracelet from Forever 21. My point is, you don't have to go nutty-pants over spending for Valentine's Day! It's not about the gift, it's about the gift of knowing who she is and what she loves about herself, and therefore: what you love about her.

Be Mine Stud Earrings, Forever 21; Typewriter Pendant Necklace, Forever 21

Lacquered Flower Ring, Forever 21; Pressed Filigree Bracelet, Forever 21

Gold Lace Oval Earrings, Patina Stores; Lollia In Love Perfume, Layla Grayce;
29 Piece Pink Drill Bit Set, Charm and Hammer; Sunshine Rainbow Latch Hook Kit, Perpetual Kid

Pink Screwdriver Set, Charm and Hammer; Kate Spade Pencils, See Jane Work ;
Vine Letter Holder, See Jane Work; Sweetheart Shaped Soap, Perpetual Kid

Feltworks Fun Pillow Kit, Sears; Heart Bracelet Set, Forever 21

A Breton Birthday List

2012-02-01T12:28:00.000-05:00

To be honest with you all, I didn't really get into stripes until recently. And now? I can't get enough of them. While browsing Oasis for things I don't need and can't afford, I came across these adorable Breton dresses...I have fallen in love. They have a huge selection of classic Breton clothing! Wouldn't that short sleeved sweater be lovely to wear in the Fall and Spring? And, I love that grey and black of the long sleeved sweater. Stripes are so classic, they're almost a neutral staple, no? I think so! (I'd love any of these for my birthday...it's soon-ish, no? March is only a month away now!)

Breton Short Sleeved Boatneck Top, $17; Breton Long Sleeved Boatneck, $20

Red Cotton Breton Dress, $70; Navy Cotton Breton Dress, $70

Happy February, Lovelies!

2012-02-01T00:49:00.000-05:00

Happy February! I love these photos I took in my car last February. I left work only to find an iced over car. I did not have an ice scraper on me (since then, Mother Lovely got us each one of these for Christmas), and so I was forced to just sit and wait for the car to heat up and melt the ice. Oh, and take photos. I had a blast. Sometimes the world forces you to sit still for a while. Sometimes it's exactly what you need.

Lovely Valentines For You By Me!

2012-01-31T10:30:00.000-05:00

Oh Lovelies! Check out these Valentine's Day cards I had a total blast making:

They're all hand sewn by me, each one is unique...no two alike!

Each one is $5.50 shipping included. I loved making these cards, cutting the fabric, the string, and thinking about each lucky Valentine to receive one! Each card comes with an envelope, wrapped in plastic. I will send them as soon as your order yours! Remember, you don't need a lover on Valentine's Day, just someone to love...so spread the love with these handmade and lovely cards!

Considering a card from the pharmacy is $5.00, you could get something totally unique and special for the same price... I'm just saying.

Email me here to buy or click any of the photos!

How to Dress Like: An American Girl Doll

2012-01-30T15:00:00.000-05:00

Perfect Weekend Dress; Pink Oversized Coin Purse; Burgundy Velour Floppy Fedora; Elena Black Mary Jane Flat

Day After Day Dress; Gingham Bonnet; Blue Crystal Stud Earrings; Frye Carson Lace Up Boots

Merino Argyle Sweater; Navy A-Line Skirt; Cole Haan Buckle Mary Jane; Tabitha Eyeglass; Leather Mini Flap Bag

Sunday Night Decorating Woes, or The Exquisite and Expensive Rug

2012-01-30T13:07:00.002-05:00

Happy Monday lovelies!

Last night while testing a piece of cavatappi for the noodle’s level of al dente-ness, I managed to burn my bottom lip. Not the most graceful of domestic goddesses, but I get it done. We had chicken parm, pasta and garlic bread if you really want to hear about it.

Deterred by my lack of noodle tasting prowess I went back to decorating. And by decorating, I mean I spent a few hours looking at Pinterest. Dan and I have both decided that once the living room is finished, the bedroom will be easier to tackle. So right now, I am all about getting the living room up to speed. Dan helped out BIG TIME this weekend by hanging up several of our pictures on the living room walls. Already the room is looking better than it has since we moved in. Now that I can really see the progress (new furniture, paint, wall hangings) there are just two VERY important aspects missing that can really bring a room to a sense of completedness. (By the way, that was not a word.).

Drapes and rugs, people. Drapes and rugs. Being the daughter of an interior designer these two room adornments were drilled into my head as being extremely necessary. My mother, however, did not mention that both of these items are often costly. Especially rugs. Rugs? I mean, you put your feet on them! In shoes! How could you possible want to spend money on one?! Alas, I did not make up the rules of commerce and so I am destined to pay for something that will be dirtied on a daily basis. Sigh. So back to my post-dinner mishap Pinterest-ing.

Naturally, I found this and immediately fell head over heels.

I went to source and was shocked/horrified/disheartened to discover that the rugs start at £765. After I regained consciousness, I set out looking for a suitable replacement. My criteria is decidedly vague. I want something a little kitsch, a little pop-art, a little cheeky – basically me in rug form.

I found a few contenders in a much more reasonable price range:

(From top right: Union Jack, Jonathan Adler $165 (starting); Koldby, IKEA (2 variants) $199; Trellis, Overstock.com $162; Floral Scroll, Pier 1 Imports $250; St. Andrew's Cross, Rug Traders £50-£238; Fairisle Round, Pier 1 Imports $299; Diamond Damask Target.com $399)

Technically Speaking: Dollhouse Miniatures

2012-01-30T13:00:00.000-05:00

Lovelies, do you know what that is? A TV, obviously. But, it's no ordinary television. This television is 2.25 inches high by 3.25 inches wide. That's right, it's a miniature television. It's a TV for a dollhouse...and it really, truly works. Yes, you heard me right: it's a miniature television for your dollhouse living room and it has the ability to show moving pictures. Not just any moving pictures, mind you, but any moving picture you want. Seriously.

Ever since I read this article about dollhouses in the New York Times, I've been searching for miniatures online (you know, for the dollhouse I don't have...), and when I came across this awesome, amazing, out of this world television, I knew I had to share it with you all. This is life changing, friends.

So, how does this miracle of life work? It's actually pretty simple...it hooks up to your DVD player (there's a video of it working on the website)! The TV has volume control, as well, so your little dollhouse family won't have to miss a second of Jurassic Park (or, Legally Blonde). Maybe your dollhouse people are into the indie movies? Don't worry, they can still catch 500 Days of Summer or Slumdog Millionaire. Now, all we need is a working miniature popcorn maker for movie nights...

Happy Friday! Big News!

2012-01-27T08:56:00.000-05:00

Home Sweet Home Print from Etsy

Happy Friday, Lovelies! I have some exciting news...Eric and I are moooooooving! Where to? An adorable rental house in our town. It's a re-done bungalow from the 1930s-1940s, near the beach, with a backyard, a white picket fence...and a washer and dryer! Swoon. More swooning for the dishwasher, too. We're getting the keys this weekend, and although we won't be moving in for a few days, we're so excited to finally enter our little dream house. We're going for a beachy-cottage style in the house, so get pumped for moving tips, budget home decor tips, and of course, photos of our new love, the house.

What are you all doing this weekend? Shopping? Hanging with the gals and your guy? Sewing? (Ps. I get my own sewing room in the house!) (PPS. Can you tell I'm over the moon excited?!). Do share and have a lovely, lovely weekend!

Are you going to cuddle up and read this weekend? Here's my picks for great travel and beach reads, and here's what I thought of the New York Times Bestseller, Maine. Want to read a touching and heartwarming book? Try Making Toast by Roger Rosenblatt.
Did you all see Lauren Bush Lauren's beyond gorgeous wedding dress? We picked some similar ones out for you to see, too!
I started thinking about my birthday this week and made a Layla Grayce birthday list!
And last but not least, here's what Ms. Ali had to say about using power tools!

Lovely Book Pick: Good Travel and Beach Reads

2012-01-26T11:30:00.000-05:00

You know those days when you don't feel like watching TV or being online and all you want to do is cuddle up with a book? I totally get that way, except sometimes the book I'm reading is too long, or too wordy, or too much for the moment I'm in. That's when it's the perfect time to pull out a book like The Peach Keeper by Sarah Addison Allen. Set in North Carolina, the book revolves around Willa Jackson and the estate her family had to give up many years before she was even born. It's a story about women, societies, group-think, love, and...magic. Yes, magic. It's a good book--nothing life changing or poignant--but, it's good. It would make a perfect beach read. I could even see it being a book club book, but like I said, it's pretty quick, and the story just rolls along (hopping back and forth between older times and the current time), with no hard-hitting phrases or words. It's a sweet story, for sure, and in a way it sort of reminded me of The Help.

If you like reading about the South, check out an awesome book, Looking for Salvation at the Dairy Queen by Susan Gregg Gilmore. Set in the 1970s, it follows the story of Catherine, a small town Georgia girl who wants nothing more than to get out of town. However, as soon as she leaves a tragedy pulls her back, and she starts to see her life, and town, through new eyes. What I loved about Looking for Salvation was that there was a certain innocence to it; you really could feel that she grows in the book, and becomes a woman from the small daughter of a Baptist preacher that she once was. Another great beach or travel read...also a good book club choice.

Wedding Wednesday: Lauren Bush Lauren's Gorgeous Ralph Lauren Wedding Gown

2012-01-25T13:25:00.000-05:00

I was browsing Celebrity gossip (shut up) when this picture came up from Lauren Bush Lauren's wedding shots in Vogue. The bride's dress designed by her father-in-law Ralph Lauren (seriously, some girls have all the luck), was meant to conjure up a rustic Victorian wedding. Apparently she's got boots on under there. Now, I'm not one for high necked anything (I gag in a turtle neck) but something about this dress kept me coming back. I am so over strapless. So. OVER. It seems like all fancy dresses these days are strapless. There is something, certainly, reminiscent of Pricness Kate's wedding look here too. But that beadwork/lace situation, oh my. Oh my indeed. Also, I love this picture. Also doesn't David Lauren sort of look like James Spader?

I've found 2 dresses which are similar to Lauren's- they're both under $500 dollars too.. which is still probably more expensive that Lauren's, since I seriously doubt this dress was paid for. Groan, right? Let's just agree that Lauren Bush Lauren looks gorgeous in her gown and that you will look gorgeous in yours and leave it at that. After all, maybe you'll meet and marry J.Peterman's...son? Or maybe not..

Esencia

Bailica

Lovely Book Pick: Maine by J. Courtney Sullivan

2012-01-25T12:15:00.000-05:00

I'm going to be honest here for a second: I rarely read books on the New York Times bestseller list. However, when I came across Maine by J. Courtney Sullivan, and was looking for a family novel to delve into, I decided to give it a shot. I love novels about generations of women, especially when they describe all the twists and turns of a mixed-up family. Maine was exactly what I was looking for! Set mostly in a beach house in...Maine, it follows the lives of four Irish-American women in one family and all their relationships, decisions, and lives. Sullivan is a detailed writer, without being overly flourished and grating. You can see the characters come to life and genuinely start to care for these characters as if they were real people. Maine addresses issues such as alcoholism, raising children, and new-age Catholicism with humor, wisdom, and a lot of wit. If you liked Maine, it reminded me of two other books, both by Maile Meloy: Liars and Saints and The Family Daughter. All three books explore the entire extended family's traumas, lives, and loves. You really do feel like these people come alive on the pages. If you have a family, which I assume most of you do, you'll love reading all about a family who is unique, crazy, and hilarious in their own special way.