The Little Toyshop at The Sandbox Playspace

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Lovelies, it is no secret that Weston and I are huge fans of The Sandbox Playspace in Huntington. From the classic wooden toys, to the mama-interaction-time, to the wonderful owners, we love spending our days at The Sandbox playing, hanging, learning, and loving life. The Sandbox has become our second home in town, where we land after a long day of errands or meetings. And now, I am so excited to announce that The Sandbox has opened up their own Toyshop! Owners, Toni and Rob, hand picked each and every toy that they sell, and I can tell you from experience, that the toys are beyond gorgeous and would make amazing holiday gifts. Not to mention that The Sandbox is now selling gift cards! What's a better gift than the gift of play (and uh, of mama hanging out with other mama time!)?! Sandbox gift cards would make a perfect first birthday gift, stocking stuffer, or even baby shower present!


I am thrilled to have Toni here today on Lovely to share some words about their new Toyshop, the importance of play, and how critical it is for parents to have a safe mental space to go to; thanks for sharing, Toni!

Childhood is new territory these days. Life can feel rushed, noisy & high-tech and it's easy to feel pretty disconnected from the natural world.

We wanted to offer toys to counterbalance the speed of life and to honor childhood. Toys that truly value play, slowing down, being in the "now". Toys that encourage making time and space for imagination and creativity. We wanted toys that will become beloved and last a long time. 

Wooden toys inspire the senses. The smoothness of wood and it's weight and coolness feels so good in a baby's hand as she begins to discover her tactile senses and explore grasping, clutching and coordination. Plus, our toymakers use only the highest quality, sustainably harvested wood and completely natural, non-toxic dyes, paints and finishes so wood toys can double as teethers and you don't have to panic when they go straight in the mouth. 


For bigger little ones, there is magic in watching a hand-carved horse become real. We treasure watching our own boys dig deep into playing. We love when they are talking in high little voices and forgetting about the real world around them. They don't know it, but as they flex their little "imaginary muscles", they are actually practicing creative, critical, flexible thinking- the kind of thinking which will serve them through their entire lives.

We like toys which stick around and remain loved for the long haul. Blocks, a ukulele, puzzles, a spinning top, a sweet, soft doll - they chisel a place in your heart and they teach children that some things in life are very special and not disposable.


And, if you are looking for the gift of togetherness, a gift card to the Sandbox is perfect under the tree. (E-gift cards for sale or call (631) 421-1600 or drop in to purchase a classic gift card) - A great suggestion for the uncle who might otherwise choose a dancing plastic chicken who squeaks "The Macarena" on repeat. 


Also, a perfect stocking stuffers, gift cards are available in any amount and can be used for a Sandbox Play Membership, Play Package, Open Play Visit, or for merchandise.

So, as the harsh days of winter approach you will have a cozy clubhouse to come and play together. Your sanity might just depend on it.

You have more than enough time before Christmas to stop in and stock up on toys which will become family heirlooms! Hope to see you there!

The Weekend Gypsy Vintage Store (and My Modeling Debut?)

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Sometimes in life when someone asks if you want to do something, just say yes. For example, if someone asks if you want to model vintage clothing, always say yes. When Helena, owner of The Weekend Gypsy vintage store put out a call for models, I responded with a resounding yes! We had a full model shoot, shot by the ever talented Allison of A Rae of Light Photography, inside of the gorgeous Suite Pieces store in Huntington. 

The Weekend Gypsy is having a fantastic one year anniversary party (and sale!), so check out the flyer below and stop by, say hi to Helena, and buy some of her gorgeous vintage goodies. 

What do you think? Modeling debut? I loved this 1960s vintage Chinese suit! I felt like I was in Mad Men! 





Mockingbird Parties + A Giveaway!

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When I stumbled across Mockingbird Parties, I fell madly in love. A children's party service which designs your kid's dream party and provides every detail in a box? Heaven! Not only is Mockingbird Parties a one of a kind party planning service, but all of the details are exquisite down to the last chirp. Based out of Long Island's own Cold Spring Harbor, and run by creative genius Jennifer, she works tirelessly to ensure that your son or daughter has the ultimate party of their dreams. Jennifer understands that parents are working hard these days, and no one has time to plan all the details of a children's party, so she takes on that job for you by designing and creating all the party accessories and bestowing you with a perfect party in a box! Simply put, you choose a theme and she provides you with everything you need for the day of the party.  Jennifer is also going to be blogging on the Mockingbird Parties website and sharing awesome and easy DIY projects! 

Top Left: Birthstone Crown; Right: Fairy Headpiece; Bottom Left: Woodland Fairy Headpiece; Right: Princess Crown

Jennifer is amazingly creative and detailed, I know this first hand, not from a party stand point, but from an accessories standpoint. I contacted her before my photoshoot with Molly Leon Photography to see if I could have her make Weston something. She took some time to brainstorm and generously gifted Weston a woodland themed Robin Hood hat (his nursery is woodland themed), which has now become a family heirloom. The detailing is fantastic, and though my little creature wouldn't let me put the hat on correctly (see below!), he loved his hat, and it now sits proudly in his room. Jennifer not only curates parties, but creates gorgeous accessories for their parties...not on Long Island? No worries, you can buy her hats, crowns, and even get custom made accessories from Mockingbird Parties' online store.


Like I said, Jennifer's parties are incredibly detailed, and she provides all the supplies for what would certainly be a special day for any child. Some of the themes Mockingbird Parties have done in the past are cars, spa day, Alice in Wonderland, sharks, pirates, and frozen fairies. See photos below for examples!


And, finally, lucky for us, Mockingbird Parties is kindly giving away a gorgeous accessory for the little ladies in your life! See the form below to enter to win 2 flower felt headbands and 10% off any item of your desire in the Mockingbird Parties shop! Open to US residents only.



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Lewis Oliver Farm

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Last week Weston and I had some time to kill between activities, so I decided to plug a new address into my iPhone and head to Lewis Oliver Farm in Northport. I'd heard it was a great little farm, and free, so I figured why not? It was a cool summer day, and I hoped the animals would be out! 

Lewis Oliver Farm is in the middle of the total suburbs of Northport, but once you park and step on the grounds, you feel transported to an old barn chock full of animals and history. We paid our $2 donation (which isn't necessary to get in!), and got celery to feed the animals in return. It was Weston's first time seeing live animals, and he loved it! 

Lewis Oliver also has a whole little field of children's toys and climb/ride-ons, so Weston tottered around and wore himself out (just kidding, that never happens). It was such a lovely place to stop and enjoy a few quiet moments of our day! I loved watching Weston "feed" the goats, and see cows, chickens, and alpacas! I highly recommend for children as young as one years old. 






Bows For Your Bellas and a Giveaway!

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Thanksgiving bow, Birthday bow, Anchor bow, Chevron bow, Fox bow, Whale bow 
Lovelies, August is a special time here for the Lovely Sisters; not just because it's the month I met Eric, or the month that Weston was born...it's the month that Lovely was born! Back in 2009, Jenny and I sat down and decided to do a blog together, which focused on the lovelier sides of Long Island, especially lovely Long Island shops. I think this is why I feel so overly nostalgic and giddy about today's post and giveaway. Bows For Your Bellas is exactly the type of store we set out to feature when we began over five years ago. Founded by, and the creative hand behind Bows For Your Bellas, is Kerry, a local Long Island mama of five, who has quite the knack for creating the most adorable bows for girls' hair.

I met up with Kerry recently, and I have to say, I was thoroughly impressed with her creations! They are exactly the classic bow which have become very much back in style these last few years. If I had a daughter, you best believe I would have a collection of Kerry's creations! Furthermore, Kerry is a total sweetheart and a devoted member of her community; stay tuned for breast cancer awareness bows coming soon.

Bows For Your Bellas not only has a fantastic (and sometimes quirky!) assortment of bows to chose from, but Kerry adores doing custom work. She's created bows for school events, with school colors, cheerleading events, fundraisers, PTA events, and charity functions. Need a special bow for a family photo? Kerry is happy to help! She's also forward thinking (maybe it's that mom of five thing...) and will be selling holiday gift packs soon, so your little lady will never miss out on a photo opp with her new bow for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas/Hanukkah. Speaking of the holidays, wouldn't these make the cutest stocking stuffers?

I could go on and on, but I'm mostly excited today because Kerry generously offered two bows for a Lovely giveaway! We teamed up with Bows For Your Bellas to giveaway some very apt bows: a back to school bow, and a Halloween bow. Entering is so easy, just see below:

Back to School bow, Halloween bow

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway at G. Willikers Gifts!

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When I was a little girl, my mother used to take us into Locust Valley and let us wander through the most gorgeous toy shop: G. Willikers Gifts. It was almost magical, with all the toys and gifts carefully curated and tempting to the touch. Now that I'm a mom, I'm excited to bring my son to G. Willikers and let him pick out some special presents (his first birthday is so soon!). Having been around for more than 30 years, G. Willikers is a Long Island staple and a must-visit for any out-of-towner.

Can't get over there now? You can shop their inventory online now!

G. Willikers is having a very cool giveaway that I wanted to share with you all: by simply entering your email address, you can enter to win a totally rad VW Bus Camper Tent. What kid wouldn't love to play in that?

PS. I'm thinking of picking up this adorable trumpet for Weston!

Visiting Long Island? You can find G. Willikers at 22 Forest Avenue, Locust Valley, NY 11560 (Store Hours: Mon-Sat 10-6; Sun 11-3). And, don't forget to follow them on Twitter and Facebook!