Happy Friday and Memorial Day weekend! We made it...another week closer to summer. This weekend we have a very exciting person coming home: our baby brother! He's coming home from University in Scotland. I can't wait to see him! Meanwhile, check out these great website finds from this week, and be sure to check out some Lovely posts you may have missed during the busy work week. Sit back, get some iced coffee, and enjoy a little time browsing websites and being lazy. If anyone asks, tell them I made you do it!

One of the cool things about Etsy is their "pounce" option. It allows you to search through stores which have not had a sale yet, but have been recently updated. Today I came across the beautiful store KISUKISU. Though this is a new store, and still posting new items every day, what they do have so far is simply lovely and unique handmade jewelry. These are my four favorite finds from KISUKISU--which one of these is your favorite? The simple leaf earrings, perhaps the gold branch necklace? Maybe you're a fan of the adorable two little birds necklace, or the three little leaves necklace? They are all perfect statement pieces and would look great with any classic look. Can't wait to see what KISUKISU posts next!

Happy Wednesday, loves! Check out this "Follow Your Heart" print from The Love Shop. Wouldn't this look beautiful in an antique frame? I love the silhouette of the girl running after her own dreams!

How cute are these prints from Barking Bird Art? I love their little animals playing music, and I also love how they show families in all sizes, shapes, and forms! Which of these would you put up in a baby's room or use for inspiration? (Can you guess which one is my favorite?)

I am so digging this nautical trend for this summer's wardrobe. Check out these adorable dresses, which are so reminiscent of the beach, sailing, and cotton candy on the boardwalk. The left is the Trista Striped Dress from Delia's (on sale for $35.50), and on the right is the Women's Mock Two-Piece Cabana Dress from Old Navy ($19.50). Both of these dresses would look lovely with espadrilles and a floppy hat; don't forget some bangles to complete the look!

Olivia and I just ended a 20 minute long conversation. This is pretty much how it went: Olivia would share a story, snippet of news, or adventure. I'd complain about the house being full of food and still being unable to find anything to sate my appetite. Olivia would commiserate, fill me in on plans. I'd complain about not having a dress for our Dad's 50th. Olivia would laugh at me. I'd complain about being hungry. Olivia would mention how she needs to quilt again. I'd complain about pretty much everyone in the universe. Then I'd complain about food. Then I'd complain about not knowing what to post about. Then Olivia said "Go find something to eat and calm down."

These are my momentary fixes:

• A Thomas' English Muffin, toasted with butter and syrup. I could eat forty of these. But I only had one.
• Olivia pointed me in the direction of Victoria's Secret's Semi Annual Sale. Am currently finding these dresses interesting.

Daytime jersey A-line Convertible Dress in solids, Daytime jersey sleeveless wrap dress.

I'm also drinking lemonade. And it's really hard to stay grouchy when you're drinking lemonade. So, for now, I'll be okay.

What are your Sunday blues go-to fixes, lovelies? I could use some suggestions!

Olivia and I got an email from the fabulous Laura G. the other night. Laura G. and I went to high school together, we made it through plenty of drama, lunches in the atrium and indie bands together. I was glad to hear from her, and even happier to see that she was looking to us for assistance. So here's the email:

PS - This is a picture of the three of us the day before graduation (Brianne on the left, me in the middle (about 30 lbs heavier then I am now!), and Heather on the right)!

These Goofy Monster Head Lollipops are sure to bring a smile to Brianne and Heather's faces. I mean, unless they're made of stone. Are they made of stone, Laura? They come in at 12 for $5.99, that's 50 cents a lollipop.

There is no doubt in my mind that these Pirate Connect Four Games would make them laugh and smile, as well as making a great conversation starter/ ice breaker. At 12 for $3.99, they are 40 cents each, and with lots left over you could even keep one and give the rest to other friends to make them smile too! You and Brianne and Heather could even play together!

And then I got really excited about crafts-- crafts are a great way to take your mind off things, to busy your hands and to make yourself smile in the process. I love these Zoo Animal Masks ($5.99 for 12, 50 cents each), these Sweet Treats Magnet Craft kits ($3.99 for 12, or 40 cents for one), and these Funny Playtime Mustaches Craft Kits ($3.99 for 12, or 40 cents each).

Then, I'd go to the pharmacy or grocery store and buy some chocolate or candy and throw it all in a flat rate shipping box. Ram as much candy in as possible. Maybe even some packaged black and white cookies (a little love from Manhattan) or home baked cookies for that extra touch! Not including the extra candy, and including all of the crafts, games and candy from Oriental Trading Company, the whole adventure will cost you $23 and you'd have a lot of special gifts left over for up coming birthdays, or gifts just to make someone smile! What do you think, Laura? And what about all you lovelies?

So, I've been thinking a lot about cookies lately. With summer coming up, I want to take more time to hone my baking skills on my time off. Eric loves cookies, so I figure I'll try some new recipes and have some delicious new cookies to pack in his lunch. However, I quickly realized while browsing recipes online that I have no where to store said future-cookies. We don't own a cookie jar! I happen to love cookie jars; they are classic, can be very original, and are a great way to spruce up the design of your kitchen. I wanted a non-kitschy cookie jar, something that wasn't too silly looking or with bright flashy colors. I searched for handmade cookie jar in Etsy, and voila: the answer to my prayers! I absolutely love, love, love this handmade earthenware Clothing Line Jar from Ron Philbeck Pottery. I love that the clothes-line wraps around the jar and features clothing, socks, and a quilt! The colors are subtle, and so classic-country looking; perfect for my wannabe country kitchen. (By the by, he also has a Clothing Line Mug, and pasta dishes!). I love the style of the pottery by Philbeck; it all seems so salt-of-the-earth, original, and hearty. His plates and bowls would be an amazing wedding present and would surely make anyone who uses them feel right at home!

Happy hump day, everyone! Just thought we all deserved a little encouraging note to get us through the rest of the week courtesy of Laura Berger and her adorable shop!

Hi loves! It's a cranky Tuesday morning, so I thought I'd share with you my new favorite obsession: these prints from the amazing store NanLawson. I would love, love, love a custom print of Eric and I! Check out her other prints, they are sure to make you smile on this rainy day! (PS. I love her website!)

Happy Monday, loves! How was your weekend? Mine was filled with lots of fair-food, bike shopping (I'm thinking about getting this bike, any thoughts or suggestions?) and spending time with my grandmother. Can't go wrong with a weekend full of that! While being lazy and shopping online this Sunday morning, I came across Mitetees; they have the cutest selection of personalized baby clothing, maternity shirts, and baby accessories. The thing that caught my eye, though, was their "Production Series" of clothing. You can personalize any of the items with the parents' names which makes an adorable and one-of-a-kind shirt or onesie for your child. I would love to give these as gifts to the new babies in my life! Having a baby is a production, and these items are the perfect accessory for any proud new parents. You can also personalize "gift sets;" I can't think of a more unique and fun present to show up with at a baby shower! (And, to be honest, I sort of want one for myself with my parents' names on it!)

Happy Friday, loves! So recently, I learned of the term "haul" in the blogging world; it basically means to show off what you bought on your "haul" shopping. Interesting how these words come to mean these things, eh? I decided I would show off my most recent and exciting haul: my library books! Yesterday Eric went to get a new library card, since he's a recent Long Islander, and fell in love with our local library. When I got home from school my prince whisked me away in his chariot to show me this glorious library. We both ended up getting some good books, and books I've been waiting to read! As we were checking out, I looked at our selection and thought, "I wonder what people think of us based on the books we read?!" Have you ever thought of that, beauts? On another note, Eric and I are going out on the town tonight to a fancy soiree! I can't wait. Pictures to come. We're spending the rest of the weekend around town and attending the fair at my school. It's looking like it'll be a sunny Spring weekend here on Long Island, so I hope you have beautiful weekend! Any special plans?!

My and Eric's Library Haul:

• Outliers, The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell; one of my student's gave me Blink to read and I loved his writing, I can't wait to read this! Olivia=Sociology nerd.
  
• Mountain Biking, Eastern New York by Michael Margulis; can you tell whose book pick this one was? Eric's on the hunt for a new bike and trails.
• The Peabody Sisters by Meghan Marshall; when I was in Boston last week, one of the historic house tour guides told me to read this, and I'm being honest with you when I say I really cannot wait to delve into this read!
• CF Martin and His Guitars by Philip Gura; this was Eric's exciting book-catch of the day!
• The Ukulele, A Visual History by Jim Beloff; the uke is my next instrument to learn...uh, make that my first instrument...the guitar was just too big for me!
• Read any good books lately? Do share! I'm always looking for a good read!

Yesterday we received a lovely email from devoted reader (and friend!), Kelli:

One of my very bestestest friends in the world has just found out thatnext year she will be going from long-term substitute teacher tohaving her very own 4/5th grade class at her current school startingthis fall. I wanted to send her a congratulatory gift in the mail butdon't really know what I should get her. I can't decide if I shouldcater to her personal life (she loves cooking and baking and running),or get her a classroom starter-kit themed gift. I'll probably have tokeep it all under 50$ or so, but I think creativity and innovation canstretch my dollar! I just want to let her know that I still love hereven though she lives hours away and I never see her, and to remindher that she better not mess up all her adorable students if she wantsthem to be as awesome and teacher-admiring as I am.

First of all, tell her congrats! Teaching is the most rewarding job, and she's going to love it. I definitely thought long and hard about giving the right answer for this email; being a new teacher can be a rollercoaster, but having the right elements in your life can make the little everyday things seems so much easier to handle. I would start with something I literally cannot live without and use every single day: my trusty tote-bag! While I love both L.L. Bean's and Land's End's bags, I have to say I prefer Land's End's bags simply because they have pockets on the inside! I store my cell, wallet, keys and sunglasses, but the medium sized bag is also perfect for folders, tests, papers, and those occasional treats you bring into the kids. If you get the medium sized bag, with a monogram (of course! Make sure to get Ms. HerLastName!), than the bag comes out to around $33. Not so bad, of course. But, we're not done yet. The trick to being a great teacher is having little things around in case a kid needs some cheering up, or that extra little "I'm proud of you" gift. Fill her tote bag with the cutest, most fun, and colorful little school supplies you can find! Check your local Michael's or Target for their dollar bins (or a dollar store!), but if you don't live near one of these, check out the assortment of goods from Oriental Trading Company. I love their interesting and fun pencils, erasers (middle schoolers have a weird obsession with erasers), and pencil sharpeners. Having some of these fun goodies around her desk will surely make her a hit with the kids! And, if you happen to have a little leftover, get her a good box of tea; some days, all that a teacher needs is a delicious granola bar and a hot cup of tea to get through the day! (I love Larabars!). Good luck to her, with your gift at hand, she's bound to be great! Let us know what you end up getting, Kelli!

I was really upset about the whole Falling Whistles situation. There was something about this cause and company which trapped me, I knew I had to donate.

Confession: I just purchased an Original Falling Whistle. Confession part 2: I just purchased one for you too.
Now you're looking around saying "who me?" Well of course I'm talking to you, there's no one else in the room. Who else would I be talking to?

Here's how it works, dears, it's a raffle: for every dollar you donate to Falling Whistles you get a ticket. In the end we choose a random ticket out of a hat, or a bag, or a pot and whoever's name is pulled is the winner, the prize being an Original Falling Whistle. Remember--the more you donate the higher your chance of winning is!

In order to participate in the raffle you must donate through Lovely At Your Side. This means clicking the Donation Button below and donating through PayPal. If you do not donate through Lovely At Your Side and donate directly to Falling Whistle, well, we think that's awesome, but it's also impossible for us to verify.

The raffle ends June 10th, at 5PM. That is when the last donations will be considered and when the choosing hat will be organized.



Consider this: donate a dollar and you have a chance of winning the whistle-- that's a great deal for you! And as I've bought the Falling Whistle, and did not receive it as a gift from the company, they are already getting a $34 donation, all of your donations are on top of that!

Please, please participate (and please, please put up with PayPal's occasional ability to make me want to slap my laptop, it's a really annoying site, but damnit if it isn't good at what it does), Falling Whistle is an amazing cause and they deserve attention and support. Donate, any little bit helps (but big bits help too!)

There's nothing I love more in life than convertible things. I'm a huge fan of convertible bags (sometimes I want to wear the bag on my shoulder, and sometimes not!). I love options. I love being able to change my mind last minute. As Billy Joel sang about women, "she never gives out, and she never gives in, she just changes her mind." This is why I love convertible wrap dresses so much. I love the idea of wearing the same "dress" to different occasions, but changing the style each time. Or, what if it gets chilly out? Just re-wrap the dress with sleeves! Love it.

Sometimes when I'm perusing the internet I read a story which is too sad. I close the tab, shake my head and tell Luis "I can't even..." and then try to forget it. Except, I then feel ashamed, I can't even read it and someone is living it. And I can't even bear witness to their sadness. So I hit "shift" "apple" "t" and open it up again and read. This is how I felt about the blog on Falling Whistles. About little boys stolen from their families, made to fight, finally escape and then seen as enemies of the state and imprisoned. And that's the survivors. Olivia and I try to keep things light here, we want to add Lovely to your life, but this cause is a great one and it deserves a mention, any way to spread the word is worthwhile.

I just got this emails from the adorable Laura:

I was angrily [and in the end, vainly] trying to fix the internet this evening when I received an email from Audie. Audie has been my best friend since junior year of high school. He's been my confident, my yearbook page partner, my prom date, my senior project partner, the one who listened to my home sick self weep and weep the first few days of college. Audie and I have had countless breakfasts, trips to the art store, discussions about [and nick names for] men we had crushes on, ice cream cones (crunchy sugar ones) and discussions of the future (he promised to support me and then went to art school- thanks Aud!)

Do you get how important this person is to me? Okay, well this is how the e-mail began:

"hey babe

im writing to let you know that i was in a bike accident this morning around 8 or 8:30 while I was on my way to work."

He's okay, currently at home, his surgeried face being taken care of by his dear friend Jordan and his housemates (and you're loving that attention, aren't you?). He cannot speak, and cannot eat solid foods. So what should I send him? I'm thinking the "Get Well and Let Your Jaw Heal" gift package should include pudding, straws, and milkshake mixes? Maybe gift certificates to Shaw's (Audie is a Boston Boy)? Or Starbucks? Or Dunkin' Donuts? Jamba Juice? Hale and Hearty Soups? He is on a liquid diet, as prescribed by the doctor, so what should I send? I'm looking at you lovelies, I'm still a bit distraught*, so I could use your guidance.

*The accident took place on train tracks, I can't even go to the "what-if"s

Morning Lovelies! Sorry for my absence last week; I was in good ol' Beantown with my students. It was gorgeous in Boston, and I even went on a whale watch and saw Humpback whales up close! How was your Mother's Days? Ours was delightful, filled with lots of flowers and family! Well, even though it's Spring into Summer-time, it's still Monday, so I thought we'd fill this Monday with some amazing Etsy finds! Have you had any good Etsy finds lately? Do share!

...and check out Lulu Bug's sister's shop, Raw Art Letter Press for some unique art for your walls! Um, hello, I am totally in love with the "Amor Vincit Omnia" sign!


I love, love, love this cool print of "All My Little Friends" from Ashley G's shop. I love her illustrations and design aesthetic; this girl is going to become famous, just you wait! Also, obsessed with the prints, "One of Those Days" and "Every Boy is a Superhero Sometimes." (Maybe this is what Pip would look like as a human?!)

Love these new finds! Have a great day, loves!

These pictures happened before Lovely, before graduation, before my new job, before a lot of things. It was a happy day- Cinco de Mayo with my friends at an awful dive bar.