Friday Things

1) I had an amazing time at The Everygirl Contributors Party last night!  It was so wonderful to finally meet Danielle and the entire team.  And can we discuss how great it is to meet bloggers in person?  I was walking around the party meeting new people and every. single. person. I talked to had a blog.  It was quite possibly the most creative, entrepreneurial group of women I had ever been around.  And I loved that.

2) I'm working in Alaina's dining room with team Everygirl today and I love that, too.

3) I'm sorry for only talking about The Everygirl lately, but it's such a big part of my life at the moment.  And I'm having so much fun with it.

4) Blogger isn't letting me edit posts or create new posts at the moment unless I'm on my phone.  Hence the lack of photos these last few days.  I'm hoping to get it all figured out this weekend!

5) Happy happy Friday!  I hope you all have amazing weekends!  And thank you thank you thank you for reading.  For real.  I love you all for that so much.

Chicago Take Two

I’m heading to Chicago again today and I couldn’t be more excited.  I’ll be attending The Everygirl Contributors Party tonight and will be working with Alaina, Danielle and the other interns tomorrow.  It is so amazing to have the ability to work from home in Minneapolis, but at the same time I can't wait to get to know everyone beyond just e-mailing.  

A few things I hope to do in Chicago this time around...

-Attend The Everygirl Contributor’s party.

-Work with The Everygirl interns and learn everything I can about the site.

-Soak up as much of fall in Chicago as possible.  Am I excited to be in one of my favorite cities during my favorite season?  Oh my goodness you have no idea.  SO excited.

-Gawk at the architecture.

-Visit Millenium Park and Navy Pier.  Because I’m a tourist like that. 

-Make a trip to Zara.

-Take lots of pictures and then put them on here. 

Sounds like a lovely few days to me.

Shoes & Ed

Two things on my mind this morning.  1) Shoes.  Clearly.  I've been wanting Cole Haan loafers ever since I saw a leopard pair on Alaina's blog a few months ago.  And these ones are on major sale.  I also want a new pair of booties, (like the ones below which I spotted on Annie's blog on Monday).  And lastly, I could always use another pair of classic pumps and boots to wear to work this fall and winter.  If you have any ideas for where I could find similar pairs please do let me know!  Otherwise, which ones are your favorite?

J. Crew // Madewell // Sam Edelman via Piperlime // Cole Haan

2) The second thing on my mind this morning is Ed Sheeran.  His concert is tonight in Minneapolis and I'm in the fifth row. (?!?!?!?) I'm. so. excited.  How's that for a mid week pick me up?

Balance

Today's post is a note on balance.  And more specifically, the lack there of in my life lately.  For years I've been striving to find the perfect balance between whatever I was juggling at the time: work, school, working out, sleeping, being with friends, being with family, blogging, etc.  But I've never seemed to be able to find it. The hours in the day are never long enough.  

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I am a person who loves being busy.  I'm guessing (from reading your various blog posts) that many of you are the same way.  I completely thrive on business.  And I've actually found that the busier I am and the less free time I have the more productive I am.  But the downside to that kind of lifestyle is a bit of exhaustion.  It's been like this since ninth grade.  I dip my toe in one pool.  And then another pool.  And another.  And pretty soon I have absolutely no time for certain things - mainly sleep, family and friends.  

Does anyone else have this problem, too?

Perhaps there is no such thing as finding balance in this lifestyle that I lead (and don't get me wrong, this lifestyle that I love).  Perhaps some days I need to focus on one thing and the next day I need to put more energy toward another.  Maybe I need to write everything down and lay it all out and meet my deadlines and maybe then I can achieve some semblance of balance.  Who knows.

Either way, I'd like to at least attempt to focus a little more on balancing my schedule, if that's even possible.  I think I deserve it, and my friends and family definitely deserve it, too.  How to go about this is still a bit of a mystery to me.  But I'm open to suggestions (That's a hint...).

Weekend Snapshots

This weekend was a bit busier than I would have liked.  Somehow the hours passed by even more quickly than usual.  But I did fit some fun things in, too, don't you worry about that.  Friday night was spent napping (such a happy moment in my life) and then going out with friends.  On Saturday I worked on an Everygirl feature, picked up a few groceries, went to Noodles and then watched SNL with the roomie.  We were dying laughing at Joseph Gordon-Levitt's monologue and Mumford & Sons was so unbelievably good.  I also fit in a bit of shopping and laundry on Sunday.

Minneapolis architecture. // Friday workwear. // Fall is coming!

Saturday dinner at Noodles & Co.  // Pumpkins! // New blazer from Urban.

Fallfallfall. // My dream bag.  Perhaps in black. // My lovely campus from afar. 

Fascinating stuff, I know.  What did you all do this weekend?

Dreaming of Florence

Oh Florence how I love you.  After spending a day and a half in Rome last summer, I made my way over to Florence for five days.  My stay was nothing short of magical.  The city is full of history, whimsy, and just all around loveliness.  Oh, and gelato.  There was so much gelato.

I stayed at a place that was a block away from the Duomo.  I would spend hours on end wandering aimlessly around, getting lost in the narrow streets and falling in love with the city.  My nights were spent with new friends, eating late dinners in restaurants with the best food in the world.  I kid you not.  You have not eaten pizza until you've eaten pizza in Italy.  I also tried gnocchi for the first time.  It was. so. good.

One day I went to a winery in the Tuscan countryside.  It was like a scene straight out of Under the Tuscan Sun.  Oh how I miss Italy.  I don't think I quite appreciated those lovely unscheduled and unplanned days in the sun quite as much as I would now.  I can't wait to go back someday.

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Happy weekend everyone!

Jess LC

A few days ago I heard the news that Jess Lively is closing her Jess LC shop.  If you have been following along with my blog for a little while, you may remember me mentioning Jess in my Intentions post back in August.  She is an insanely inspirational lady and I am kind of a little bit in love with her blog.  I've never bought anything from her shop, but there are few items that have been on my wish list for a while.  I love the jewelry, and Jess' prints are amazing, too.  Oh how I love those prints.  Opinions are needed, people.  Let's get to it.

1 // 2

3 // 4

Oh and PS: If you do go to the shop and decide to buy something, use the code FINALFINALSALE to get an additional 25% off.

PPS My name is officially on The Everygirl feature today.  And I'm on the contributors page.  So excited and so happy.  Check it out!

Ten Little Things (i love about fall)

It is finally starting to feel like fall here in Minneapolis.  Somehow I managed to let it sneak up on me a bit.  This weekend was really warm, and now its cold.  Let's take yesterday morning, for example.  I walked out the front door on my way to work (or rather ran, because I was running late, per usual) in my dress and light cardigan.  But instead of being the normal girl wearing the normal clothing, I was the crazy girl wearing the ridiculously little amounts of clothing.  I looked at the weather on my phone and it said it was forty-two degrees.  But despite my complete disregard for the fall weather yesterday morning, I am basically in love with the fact that the seasons are now beginning to change.  Here are ten little reasons why.

1. Layering.  Cardigans on top of tees and blazers on top of tanks and jackets top of it all.

2. Changing leaves.  I love when the leaves turn red and orange and yellow.  I love jumping in leaf piles.  I love the crunching leaves under my feet, too.

3. Anything and everything pumpkin flavored.  Pumpkin bread.  Pumpkin pie.  Pumpkin cookies.  Pumpkin pancakes.

4. Excuses for hot apple cider, lattes and hot chocolate.

5. Excuses to stay inside in cozy sweatpants and sweatshirts and watch your favorite movies.

6. Visits to apple orchards.  And pumpkin patches, too.

7. Halloween!

8. Bouquets of newly sharpened pencils (I hope someone gets this reference!).

9. New seasons of favorite TV shows.  I rarely have time to watch TV, but when I do, New Girl is where it's at.  Next Tuesday.  7pm.  You know where I'll be.

10. My fall boots come out of hibernation.  And oh how I love my fall boots.

What are your favorite things about fall?

Basics

One of the perks of (finally) being employed after a summer of unemployment is being able to shop again.  I was on a spending freeze almost all summer, at least in terms of things like clothing, accessories and shoes.  It was painful.  But it made me more creative with the clothing that I did have so I suppose that was a plus.

And although I will have a bit of extra income soon, I still plan to be a bit...stingy...with my money for a little longer.  Therefore I want to focus on one group of clothing in my closet to build up during this time of stinginess.  That group is basics.  Sweaters, tees and blazers.  Simple, versatile and classic.  Pieces that I could wear every week if need be and could still mix and match without getting tired of them.  Pieces that can go from the office to the weekend seamlessly.  These are a few of my favorite basics lately.

ShoeMint Hillary Flat // Gap Shift Dress // StyleMint Phoenix T 

J. Crew Factory Sweater // J. Crew Cafe Capri

StyleMint Rosebud T // Stella & Dot Bracelet // BaubleBar Wrap // Zara Coat

Thoughts?  Opinions?  I would love to hear them, as usual.  Happy Tuesday! 

Weekend Snapshots

Oh hey there.  Don't mind me, I'll just be over here spending my weekends celebrating birthdays, holding babies, eating delicious food, going on bike rides and drinking wine by campfires.  Yep.  That's what I did this weekend.  Oh, and I slept a lot, too.  It was glorious.  I also spent time designing some upcoming features for The Everygirl.  But just as I had suspected, designing these features felt as far from "work" as possible.  It's oh so much fun instead.

On my wish list. // I like to set countdowns for my roommates birthdays and then obnoxiously run in to their rooms at midnight and be the first to wish them happy birthday.  Good times. // Working on the car ride out of the city. // Chocolate melting cake with homemade whipped cream?  Don't mind if I do. // My roommate's lovely little niece.  // Bike rides on fall afternoons. // Cheese, cracker & wine breaks. // Wine by the campfire. // I miss her already.  

Thank goodness for the weekends.  I'm such a workaholic most of the time (one of those crazy people who loves being busy) but I love having the weekends to unwind and recharge.  I hope you all had wonderful weekends, too!

I'm an Everygirl

Remember that exciting news I mentioned about a week ago?  Here it is.  I am now a (virtual) intern at The Everygirl.  I don't even think I can fully express in words how excited I am.  The Everygirl was one of the very first sites I started following after delving head first into the blogging community this past spring.  Ever since discovering it I have fallen in love with the amazing career features and constant inspiration that it provides.  So when I heard that they were offering internships a few months ago, I didn't hesitate to apply.  Although a summer internship at The Everygirl didn't work out, I am so happy to say that I am going to be a graphics intern on the site this fall.

I would have told you all sooner but I wanted to wait until it was official.  And as I will be spending time this weekend working on my very first two features for next week, I figured it was pretty darn official.

As some of you may know, I do already have a full time job working for a wonderful non profit in Minneapolis.  But design is where my passion is.  And I love the fact that the "work" I will be doing for this internship feels nothing like work.  It's fun.  Can you imagine?  A job that's fun?  That's the dream.

I hope you all have wonderful, amazing weekends.  And if you haven't ever checked out The Everygirl, you should go do it now.  Happy Friday everyone!

Today

Today is Thursday.  Which means it's almost the weekend.  Which means it's almost my roommates birthday.  Which means it's almost time to leave the the city for a few days.  Which means campfires, homecooked meals and sleep.  But since today is not quite yet the weekend, I thought I would brighten my day another way.  Polka dot pants, via Gap. 

I bought these last night and couldn't wait a single day to wear them.  I will admit that the reason I went to Gap in the first place was to buy a birthday present for my roommate.  That happened, too.  Don't worry, I'm not that selfish.  But the moment I saw these pants from afar, I knew they had to be mine.  It also helped when I was walking out of the dressing room and two sales associates exclaimed, "Are you going to buy the polka dot pants?!? I love those."  Good work, Gap employees. Good work.

And yes, this is my current version of an outfit post.  I promise they'll get more in depth one of these days.  What are you all wearing today? 

Thankful

Amidst the rush of writing a blog post for Tuesday, it somehow slipped my mind to write anything about September 11th.   On that day eleven years ago I was eleven years old, sitting in my sixth grade classroom taking a Terra Nova math test.  I remember little details from that morning, little things that could have only been retained from a day of significance beyond anyone's imagination. 

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I remember the clear blue skies on that Tuesday morning.  It was a beautiful, seemingly perfect fall day.  I remember being stressed because the math test was difficult and I was having trouble with some of the questions.  I remember our teacher receiving a phone call in the middle of the test.  I remember the look on her face as she hung up the phone.  I remember after the test was over she told us that the Twin Towers in New York City had been hit by a plane.  I remember the news on in the background throughout most of the rest of the day.  I remember recess and the chatter of eleven year olds as they discussed what was happening across the country and as they tried to decipher what it all meant.  I remember going home at night and watching the news in my parents bedroom.  I remember the magazine covers and news articles days, weeks and months after it happened.  I remember saving the newspapers because they seemed like they would be significant to have. 

Even though eleven years have passed since that morning, the memories haven't faded.  That day changed our country and our outlook forever.  But if we take any good thing away from what happened on 9/11, I think it would be to be thankful for what we have.  Be thankful for your family and your friends, your passions and your dreams, your memories and every little thing that brightens your day.

Polka Dots

How do you all feel about polka dots?  I personally love them.  They remind me of all the lovely things in life and they are one of the most versatile patterns you can wear.  I found some of my favorite polka dot finds online today.  I am basically in love with the nude dress and the peplum top with the sweetheart neckline.  I know it's trendy and I wouldn't be able to wear it forever, but sometimes you just need to give in to your favorite trends.  Yes?  Yes.  So the moment it goes on sale, I'm snatching it right on up.

1. Gap Loafers // 2. Kate Spade Wallet via Nordstrom // 3. Dorothy Perkins Peplum Top

4. J. Crew Sweater // 5. Dorothy Perkins Peplum Dress // 6. J. Crew Cafe Capri

7. Ruche Dress // 8. Madewell Flats

Weekend Snapshots

This weekend involved apartment cleaning, laundry and lots and lots of relaxation (thank goodness).  I was able to catch up on sleep a bit and spend time with friends.  On Saturday my roommate and I went to one of my favorite cafes for brunch, bought fall lattes and walked around one of our favorite Minneapolis neighborhoods.  We went to a best friend's housewarming party on Saturday night.  Sunday included lots of cleaning and nail painting / movie watching at night.  How was your weekend?

Daisies, my favorite flower. // Friday work wear and a Pumpkin Spice Latte. // White wine on Friday night?  Don't mind if I do. // Saturday brunch. // Sunflowers. // A guitar & ukulele playing session. // An adorable little shop. // Autumn Spice Latte on Saturday afternoon. // Sunday night fro yo.

Happy Monday everyone!  Let's make this week amazing & lovely.  Okay? Okay.

Wrap It Up

I think this week of blogging calls for a wrap up.  The amount of goodness on the blogs that I read these past few days is just too wonderful for me to not share it.  So here we go.

1. Rita over at TOMORROWtoday is just ridiculously in tune with my thinking process as of late.  She started something called the be happy project.  The project is about making it your intention and focus to be happy in life.  I can't explain it as eloquently as she can so you should probably head over to her site to check it out. 

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2. As a blogger, it's been basically impossible to forget about the fact that I'm missing NYFW right now.  Every single social media source I'm on is filled with photos and updates from Fashion Week.  I don't think I've ever lived vicariously through other people so much in my life.  If you still need a good fashion week fix, I suggest you check out the blogs of Danielle, Rachel, Alaina, Erin, or Krystal. 

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3. I loved Style Me Pretty's wrap up of the Spring 2013 Amsale bridal collection.  No, I am not getting married anytime soon.  Yes, I am allowed to obsess over wedding dresses in the meantime.  And if I were getting married, Amsale is the one and only designer I would want to buy a dress from. 

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4. I am loving the effortlessly layered looks featured over on The Everygirl earlier this week.  They are the perfect examples for how to style your wardrobe for fall.  Note to self: Buy burgundy pants!

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5. Emily's clutch & navy polish.  Really, Emily?  Must you always be so stylish? Another note to self:  Figure out to make a messy bun look that lovely.

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Those were some of the posts that I loved from this week.  Were there any that you thought were particularly fantastic?  I'll actually have some time this weekend for blogging related things so I would love to hear your suggestions!

Have an amazing weekend everyone!

Ten Little Things

Due to all of these stresses of the last few weeks, I decided to make another Ten Little Things list.  Even in the most stressful times, I try really hard to focus on the positive.  So here are ten little things that make me happy.  (Other versions can be found here: 1, 2, 3 & 4)

1. Lattes in the morning.  I found a Caribou Coffee two blocks from my office.  It's dangerous, but I'm justifying the more frequent purchases due to my recent lack of sleep.  That's okay, right?

2.  Mean Girls quotes.  Does anyone else quote Mean Girls constantly?  I think my roommates and I have a problem.  We quote it all the time.  Like five times a day.  The other day I was filling up a glass with orange juice and I noticed that next to the orange juice was cranberry juice cocktail.  It made me laugh out loud.  In a public place.  At a juice machine.  

3. Homemade breakfasts like the one I had last weekend at my roommates parents house.  There was homemade french toast with homemade whipped cream and fruit on top.  It was amazing.

4. Having time to read a book on the bus ride to work in the morning.  My current read is Eat, Pray, Love.  Have any of you read it?

5. Checking things off a to-do list.  I am a list girl.  Always have been, always will be.  There's something so calming about check marks.  

6. Pay Day.  

7. Blog comments.  And blog followers.  You know you like them, too.  Writing a blog is not all about exposure.  But let's be real, I'm also not here just to write posts for me, myself & I.

8. Campfires and s'mores.  There's just something so summery about them.

9. Long phone conversations with good friends who live on the other side of the country.

10. Finding out Ed Sheeran is coming to Minneapolis this month to play a concert (?!?!).  He is one of my favorite musicians.  The last time he came to Minneapolis was earlier this summer, the day before I started listening to his music.  Literally 24 hours prior to me falling in love with the entire + album.  Yep.  So this time, I'm going.  

Wish List: Blazers

Blazers are perfect additions to your wardrobe no matter the season.  Spring, summer, fall or winter, blazers are there for me pulling together any and every outfit in the nick of time.  Here's my problem: I literally own only two blazers.  And they're both black.  Is this okay?  Absolutely not.  So I did a little online shopping and came up with a few of my favorites.  Which do you like best?

Clockwise from Top Left: Zara // Two Penny Blue // Gap 

 Topshop // J. Crew // Topshop // Zara

On another note, I think it's about time for me to petition Zara to open up shop in Minneapolis.  Their clothing is so much better and convincing in person.  

And on one last note, I hope that anyone who is in New York for Fashion Week is having an amazing time!

Weekend Snapshots

Thank you all for your supportive posts regarding the move!  The apartment is just as cute as I remember it.  There is just one major issue.  To put it as gently as possible, we have a big bug problem in the apartment.  Not okay.  I'm not going to get into the details because believe me, you really don't want to hear them.  So my weekend was much more stressful than I could have ever imagined.  Hopefully our landlords will get down to business today and get a really good exterminator in there.  Note to my fellow readers: ask questions before signing a lease.  Ask questions about things you never ever thought would be an issue.

My old room. // Spending Friday night in a hotel room.

Mornings out of the city. // Pre-kayaking breakfast.  Kashi heaven. // Molasses cookies.

Puppy love. // Cooking dinner over the fire on Saturday night. 

The one bright side about this problem (there's always some sort of silver lining, right?) was that my roommate and I decided to go back to her parents house for the weekend so that we could get a bit of relaxing in.  I love her parents house.  I love her little hometown and basically everything about going back there.  I haven't been back in two years so this was a very welcome trip.  We ate delicious food, (her parents are amazing cooks) went kayaking on a river and had a campfire on Saturday night.  Thank goodness for silver linings!