The Lovely Side

Nothing like starting your Thanskgiving Break early - except starting it by being sick. :( After being up all night, getting maybe two hours of sleep (during which I chilled and fevered), then waking with a horrible headache and all-over body ache, I thought it best to stay home today and get some rest. I'm looking forward to a four-day weekend visiting family with my boyfriend, so I hopefully I snap out of this by tomorrow. 

It's Thanksgiving week! Whether you're going home for Fall Break or get a few days off of work, the holidays tend to get jam-packed with going here and there for this and that. From the big family feast to catching up with friends over coffee or drinks, you simply must look absolutely adorable during every part of your hometown visit. Here on The Lovely Side, I've put together ensembles to lend you some ideas for  your turkey-day fashion - all inspired by a cornucopia of autumnal hues.

It's Thanksgiving week! Whether you're going home for Fall Break or get a few days off of work, the holidays tend to get jam-packed with going here and there for this and that. From the big family feast to catching up with friends over coffee or drinks, you simply must look absolutely adorable during every part of your hometown visit. Here on The Lovely Side, I've put together ensembles to lend you some ideas for  your turkey-day fashion - all inspired by a cornucopia of autumnal hues.

With winter here, it's time to pull out our favorite cozy and cute accessory for daily wear: scarves! There's not just two or three ways to cloak your neck. Check out the above Over 40 Ways to Tie a Scarf from the Scarves.net Knot Library.

Take a picture of your favorite way to tie your scarf. Post it to Instagram with #thelovelyside. And tag The Lovely Side blogger @jessjhansen for a chance for your scarf to be featured on the blog! :)


The Lovely Side is on: Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

quiet winter mix from keepcalmanddrinktea on 8tracks Radio.
breathing in snowflakes ♡ from rinaaych on 8tracks Radio.


lay around the house all day long from Jj.Bells on 8tracks Radio.
The Lovely Side is on: Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Plaid scarves. Love 'em or leave 'em? I love 'em!

I'm on a mission to simplify and streamline my beauty routine. Winter is a great place to start. Never mind the snow - can tell it's here by seeing my pale, dry, flaky skin in the mirror. While I love that my accidental summer tan is fading (I prefer having pale skin with my auburn hair), I'm not so stoked about the dry skin.
It's not that my cosmetic routine is overly complicated. I use the same foundation and mineral powder each day. I do, however, switch up eye shadows and blushes and eye liners. And while switching it up is fun from time to time - like a bold cat-eye or red lip for a night out on the town - I'm trying to create a simple, go-to look that I can wear to work and then amplify a little after office hours.

We live in the era of internet matchmaking. Pandora picks out artists who are music to your ears. OkCupid sets you up with potential partners. And social media networks like Facebook and Twitter throw suggestions at you to like and follow based on your interests. It's hip. It's personalized. And it works. (Ok, not all the suitors on OkCupid are suitable.) What about career matchmaking?

The low, sleek profile of this bed makes the ceilings look even taller than they are. All the white lets the little details take center stage: the vintage lamp on the right, the turquoise night stand to the left, the simple but chic pendant hanging up above, and the sharp contrast of thin, modern black frames.

What can you do that makes your soul happy? 
That you do. For you. By yourself. (...no friends, family, or significant other involved.)
For me, it's reading or writing. In quiet solitude or with folksy music or classical music or RainyMood.com playing in the background. Especially when accompanied by a glass of good beer or wine, or cup of coffee or tea.
Now you. Go.


The Lovely Side is on: Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

I love giving (and receiving) gift baskets. While pre-packaged baskets can take a little stress out of shopping, I think that putting together a personalized package is so much more special and sentimental. Plus, it's a lot of fun to curate a basket of goodies for a friend, roommate, significant other, or family member. (And the gift recipient can also use the basket or box as they please, too!) Between now and the holiday season, I'll be whipping up some 5-item gift basket ideas to give you some inspiration and ideas. 
This Chamomile + Cashmere gift basket idea is all about comfort and coziness. It's perfect for your girlfriend, roommate, sister, or any female family member. The item that originally inspired me to put this basket together is the Burt's Bees Soap Bark & Chamomile Deep Cleansing Cream. My sister gave me this in Burt's Bees package she put together for me. (Great minds think alike!) I love it - the refreshing fragrance, the tingly clean feeling …

Are ye the ghosts of fallen leaves? from jessica_thelovelyside on 8tracks Radio.
Happy Wednesday, lovelies! We're half way to the weekend! Here's my latest 8Tracks playlist for your listening pleasure: A quiet mix for the end of autumn and beginning of winter. Melodies for frosty mornings and chilly evenings, for hot cocoa and cozy blankets, for the last leaves to fall and first snowfall. What's your favorite part of this time of year?
The Lovely Side is on: Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram