Thoughts & Updates

Well hello! It's been a little while, hasn't it? Almost two months to be exact...sorry about that. I've been wanting to post more, I really have! Sometimes I find myself looking at my blog, reading old posts and wanting to write, but I don't know what to say. Does that ever happen to any of you? It's a problem. I have still been reading my favorite blogs daily, so I'm not completely off the map. Today I wanted to check in with a few thoughts and updates in the hopes that it may trigger my inspiration and get me to start writing a little bit more. Fingers crossed.

1. First and foremost, The Everygirl relaunched last week! We went from this...

to this!

And I love love love it. If you've been reading my blog for a while you know just how much this website means to me. I've been with the TEG team since September 2012 and it is the most fun, rewarding work experience I've ever had. When I saw the new site for the first time, I couldn't have been more thrilled. It's easier to navigate, the design is beautiful, AND there's an Everygirl shop! I've also been named an Associate Editor along with Allyson at Mimosas in the Morning and I am so excited about it.

2. Relatedly, a few weeks ago I helped out at a shoot for The Everygirl and it was so. much. fun. The shoot was for a feature on Minneapolis favorite Parc Boutique and the amazing woman behind it, Thao Nguyen. It's the first feature I've coordinated from the start so I'm naturally really excited about it. Keep an eye out for the full feature early next year! Photography by the crazy talented Wing Ta of Canary Grey.

3. Someway, somehow, I am slowly learning to cook. I have no idea where this sudden interest came from, but I'm just going with it. I think every single new recipe I try is from a blog or pinterest, and yesterday, I discovered a new favorite food blog. It's called Half Baked Harvest and I think you should check it out immediately. I plan to make this, this, and especially this pizza as soon as possible.

Can you believe how good this looks? And don't even get me started on the dessert recipes...

4. HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Thanksgiving is tomorrow and I couldn't possibly be more excited about the fact that the holidays are right around the corner. I love everything about them - the baking, the decorating, the gift giving, the time with friends and family, and just all of the joy that comes with this time of year.

5. Black Friday is just a few days away...are you participating this year? I'm one of the crazy people who actually enjoys going shopping in the early hours of the morning. It seems oddly festive to me. I'm not sure if I'll go this year but even if I don't, I'm sure I'll be taking advantage of Cyber Monday deals.

I hope you have a lovely day and a festive Thanksgiving tomorrow!

Happy Weekend

It's feeling like fall in Minnesota and I couldn't be more thrilled about it. I'm finally able to pull out my favorite jackets, boots, and scarves. I also really love the felt hats I've been seeing a lot of lately, like in the photo above. I'm not sure if I would be able to wear one very often but I think they're really cute. The hat above is from Asos and I'm sure I could find other inexpensive options, maybe at Zara or H&M. What are your thoughts on the felt hat trend?

Tonight I'm getting a much needed haircut at one of my favorite places, Aveda. I think if I were to tally up the amount of money I've spent at Aveda since my teenage years, it would be enough to feed a small country (proof here). Hey, we weren't all born with perfect hair. 

Saturday morning I'll be at an event for work. Waking up at 6 on a Saturday is not my favorite, but luckily the event is outside, so at least I'll get some fresh air in the process. Afterwards I'm meeting up with one of my best friends for brunch (cue excitement). I would, of course, love to make it to an apple orchard / pumpkin patch this weekend but I suppose that will just have to wait. Fall is young; there are plenty of weekends left for apples and pumpkins.

What are you up to this weekend? 

image via

The most delicious pumpkin cookies ever

It's Thursday. Let's talk cookies.

I don't usually post about cooking or baking on the blog because I'm not an expert in either of those areas. However, today I'm making an exception because I feel it would be wrong not to share the recipe for the cookies I made last weekend. These cookies were that good. So good, in fact, that my co-workers are still talking about them days after I brought them in to work. They were pretty impressed.

Behold, these melt-in-your-mouth pumpkin cookies. If you like cookies, have at least minimal baking abilities, and if autumn is your favorite season, I suggest you make these as soon as possible.

But really. Make them. Your friends and family will thank you.

And if you have any other go-to fall recipes, please please feel free to share them in the comments! I'm all about trying something new. Happy baking!

Ingredients:

2 cups butter, softened

2 cups granulated sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla

1 15-ounce can pumpkin

4 cups all-purpose flour

Frosting:

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

3 to 4 cups powdered sugar (add until desired consistency/firmness)

ground cinnamon sprinkled on top (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl beat the 2 cups of butter with an electric mixer on medium speed for 30 seconds. Add granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, the 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and the nutmeg. Beat until combined. Beat in the eggs and 2 teaspoons of vanilla until combined. Beat in pumpkin. Beat in as much of the four as you can with the mixer. Stir in remaining flour with a wooden spoon.

2. Drop dough by heaping teaspoons 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until tops are set. Transfer to wire racks to cool.

3. For frosting, in a small saucepan heat the 1/2 cup butter and brown sugar until melted and smooth. Transfer to a medium bowl. Stir in milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Beat in powdered sugar until smooth. Spread frosting on cookies. Sprinkle with additional cinnamon if desired.

Lately

Yesterday in a moment of downtime I glanced through a few recent blog posts and realized I hadn't posted any snapshots in months. Months! I thought I would take some time to catch you up on a few things that have been happening around here lately, and show you some photos from August and September.

1. Trying out the whole running before work thing. The city is so pretty that time of day but waking up at 5 really isn't my cup of tea.

2. A quick froyo stop. One of my favorite summer activities. 

3. Played kickball on my friend's league one night. And I learned I am not the world's best kickball player.

4. The prettiest farmers market flowers. They brightened up my apartment beautifully. 

5. I ate so many brunches with friends this summer. And you know how happy brunch makes me.

6. Northeast Minneapolis. One of my favorite neighborhoods in town.

7. Lake Calhoun on a summer night.

8. Working from the comfort of my apartment on a rainy night. 

9. I moved at the end of August. Even though I've moved eight times since I was a freshman in college five years ago, I still get a little nostalgic every time I pack up an apartment. After all, it was in front of that window that I sat at my desk and wrote over 160 blog posts and designed more than 60 features for 

The Everygirl. Lots of late nights and lots of fun along the way.

10. Summer nights on a patio in Uptown with friends. My favorite. 

Now summer is over and I'm enjoying my favorite season of the year. I've been pretty busy lately but I'm hoping to start posting a few times a week again. I really do miss it.  

Hope you're having a lovely week. What have you been up to lately? I would love to get caught up!

Happy Weekend

Hi guys! Remember when I used to blog? Oh yeah, me too. I have been one busy lady lately and just haven't been able to fit in posting. I'm working on prioritizing my life a little more effectively at the moment. I've also been trying to figure out exactly what direction I want this blog to go in. I really love blogging, but I haven't quite found the blogging niche that makes me happiest. Lately my favorite blogs aren't fashion blogs but lifestyle blogs. I love reading thoughtful, wordy posts or just simple day in the life posts. Something insightful, something relatable. That's what gets me following along. Last night I reread a post I wrote almost nine months ago titled Why I Blog. It brought me back to all of the reasons I love posting here and I'm hoping I can get back into the swing of things soon.

This weekend is one of my best friend's birthdays and I'm so excited to celebrate with her. Lately it's been hard to get all of my close friends (the ones who are still in Minneapolis) together. Everyone is busy with work, family, and other commitments. But birthdays are always an excuse to see friends and I can't wait for the weekend to begin!

What are you up to this weekend? Any fun plans?

P.S. It feels like FALL outside as I write this and I just cannot contain my excitement. Everything about this season makes me happy. Yes I'm that girl.

image via

A thought for a Friday

I have been the worst blogger ever lately. I'm really sorry about that. One of these days I'll catch you up on all of the things that have been taking up so much of my time lately, but for now I wanted to share a quick piece of inspiration. I just saw the loveliest quote over on Jess Lively's site.

"Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase. Just take the first step." When I read this my mind immediately went to one particular leap of faith that I've been pondering on a daily basis these past few weeks. And then immediately after that I thought of the obstacles I would surely face if I took this leap of faith. I may not have the courage to take the first step in faith quite yet, but finding quotes like this make me think that someday soon it might just be possible. 

Did you think of one thing in particular when you read this quote? Or have you ever taken a leap of faith despite not having a clear plan for everything ahead? You know me, I would love to hear about it.

Happy Friday! I hope you have the best weekend.

On Being 23

A few weeks ago I was talking to one of my best friends Erica on the phone. She lives in L.A. and I live in Minneapolis and we hardly ever get to see each other. Our phone conversations are always long and rambling and they bring out all of the things we're enlightened by or frustrated by at the moment. In this particular conversation we were talking about our futures and our career aspirations. She had just been hired that very day at a job she was really excited about after a very long, very frustrating job search. I have been in the midst of that same frustrating search for a while now. And to complicate things even more, we're both way too ambitious, and we're big time dreamers. Ambitious dreamers on a job search. We get each other.

While we were talking, I was reminded of the very last question that is asked in every Everygirl career feature: "What advice would you give to your 23-year-old self?" I suppose when Alaina and Danielle were brainstorming all of the details of the site they decided that 23 was the year when the confusion really settles in. It's when many graduate from college. It's a year when most people are frustrated and confused and are in the process of searching for the career that will fulfill them for the rest of their lives. Everything that was stationary for the last four years is now uprooted. Friends are moving away, jobs are changing, and everything seems so very uncertain....yet exciting at the same time.

As 23-year-olds ourselves, my friend and I are feeling all of the effects of those changes and all of the pressure that comes with them. But who knows, maybe someday in the future everything will work out. Maybe all of the resumes we sent, the stress we felt, and the pressure we put on ourselves will lead to something really wonderful. Maybe it will all be worth it. Of course neither of us have any idea how everything will turn out, but we're hopeful, and despite the stress, we're certainly going to keep pushing forward in the direction of our dreams.

This is what 23 feels like. It's confusing and hopeful and stressful and fun. Hopefully someday I'll look back on this time and be thankful for the confusion I went through, and that I never stopped trying. Hopefully someday it will be worth it. I have a feeling it will.

Are any of you 23(ish) and going through the same confusing time? Or have you had a similar experience?

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Here are some of my favorite quotes from those inspiring Everygirl ladies to their 23-year-old selves (with links to the features, in case you missed them):

"Oh I would tell her so much. But mostly I would tell her, it’s all going to be OK. To keep following your 
gut even when people think you might be a bit on the crazy side. The crazy side is good."

Abby Larson - Style Me Pretty

"Please know that you aren’t making a mistake and you aren’t failing. Every step you take is a 
part of your path, good or bad, don’t be afraid to follow it."

Kendi Skeen - Kendi Everyday

"You’re not the kind of girl who settles. Keep not settling."

Joy Wilson - Joy the Baker

"Be bolder. Make more mistakes. Fail fast and move forward."

Lindsay Avner - Bright Pink

"Don’t be distracted by what you think other people are thinking. Stop getting ahead of yourself. 
And (this is a big one): it’s OK to ask for help."

Vanessa Holden - West Elm

"Everything can change in a year, a month, a day. So stop worrying if things aren’t going your way 
for a short time. Nothing ever is what you predict it will be."

Stacy Adimando - Every Day with Rachel Ray

"You are young and you are imperfect and that’s okay. No need to be frustrated that 
you’re not running the world just yet."

Jenna Britton - Digital Marketing Manager

Happy Thursday! So glad it's almost the weekend..

A weekend in my favorite city

Most of you know I love Chicago. It's one of those cities I cannot visit enough. I love that it's bigger than Minneapolis but still very walkable. I love that it's right on Lake Michigan. I love the architecture. I love that it still has that friendly midwestern vibe. I love the shopping and the restaurants. And I love the friends who call it home that I get to visit when I'm there. I think you get the point. I really love this city. So it's no surprise then that I had a wonderful time while visiting this past weekend. I stayed with a good friend from high school / college while I was in town. I took in the sights and ate so much good food. I also got to spend some time with my lovely editors over at The Everygirl, Alaina and Danielle. Here's a little recap of the entire weekend.

Weekends in Chicago never ever seem to be long enough. I can't wait to visit again soon.

I hope you had a great weekend!

P.S. Feel free to follow along on instagram @jackiesaffert 

A Zara Wish List

Other than the indecisive weather patterns there are few things I dislike about Minneapolis. The people are friendly (Minnesota nice is real), there are lots of great outdoor trails and parks to frequent in the summer, and there are tons of wonderful restaurants as well. But what is Minneapolis missing? Zara. And what a shame, too. I love Zara. Like a lot. I looked up the nearest store to where I'm staying in Chicago this weekend and it is six blocks away. Six! I'm so excited. These are a few of the dresses I would love to pick up while I'm in town. 

navy 79.90 // white 69.90 // multi 69.90

I love all of the subtle details; the knots on the back of the navy dress and the sheer panels on the white dress. Simple and classic with a twist. I suppose the one good thing about having a Zara far away from me is that it's all the more exciting when I do get to go. The silver lining.

I hope you have a happy Wednesday!

Snapshots Lately

With July more than halfway over, I'm starting to realize this summer is going to come to an end before I know it. One of my best friends has always joked (much to my annoyance) that July 4th is the start of the end of summer. I always hated when he said that, but I must admit that sometimes it seems to be true. The moment July 5th strikes Target sets up their Back to School section and starts to display fall clothing (and Target is what I use to set my standards, if you haven't yet noticed). But this year, instead of being stressed out by the impending end of summer, I'm simply more aware that I need to make the most of this season. I'm going to eat ice cream, sit on patios with friends, dine al fresco, and go for long runs along the river. It's going to be lovely.

My view of Minneapolis on the way to work. // Ice cream. A summer staple. // Morning stripes + caffeine. // The most delicious black bean quinoa burger + kale salad from here. // Sunday brunch at Sun Street Breads. // Found a copy of the Young House Love book. Discovered the blog a few months ago and it's now

one of my favorites.

This week I'm looking forward to a long weekend in Chicago. For those of you who have been reading for a while, you know how much I love the city. I will be leaving bright and early Thursday morning and I can't wait to spend time with a good friend plus Alaina and Danielle of The Everygirl. I've been working with them for over 10 months but haven't seen them since September. It should be lots of fun. But until then, I have a large to do list to tackle, so I'm off to work on that.

I hope your week is off to a great start!

Happy Weekend

Happy Friday everyone! It is almost the weekend and I could not be more excited. I know I say that every Friday, but that's simply because it's always true. I met some friends for drinks last night and had a wonderful time catching up with them, but I'm definitely feeling the effects of that this morning. Lack of sleep + lack of coffee is never really the best combination. But on the bright side, I am just a few short hours away from the a few days off and that makes up for everything. 

I plan to take it easy tonight, relax, and get a little work done (but fun work - like blogging & TEG). Tomorrow morning I have big plans to make it to an early yoga class. I'm trying to sleep in just a little less than I usually do so I can get a jump start on my two favorite days of the week. On Saturday night I have plans with friends and Sunday is wide open at this point. I am going to try to make a brunch happen, though. No surprise there. Oh! Sunday is also my mom's birthday. If you're reading this mom, happy early birthday! You don't look a day over 30. ;)

I hope you all have a lovely weekend. Spend some time outdoors, some time relaxing, and some time with family and friends. Isn't that how all weekends should be spent? I think so.

image via

Snapshots Lately

Last night I was catching up on a few blogs and brainstorming for daydreamer when I noticed I hadn't posted since June 26th. Almost two weeks! I am simply not okay with that. I have had a long to do list for the blog for months (which includes posting regularly again) and I am determined to tackle it, little by little. This weekend I finally updated the About Me section of the blog. I hadn't touched it since last May so it was definitely in need of a redo. I still need to update that photo, though... Baby steps. 

On another note, I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday! I had four lovely days away from work and it felt pretty incredible to have such a long, calming weekend. I spent lots of time outdoors, relaxing and going for runs along the river. I couldn't even bring myself to go to a yoga class this weekend - there's just something about the Fourth of July that makes me want to spend every moment outside.

A stop for fro yo recently. Definitely a summer necessity. // J. Crew jewels in gold and seafoam green. I want them all. // Fresh watermelon and pineapple. // Essie holiday festivity. // Trips to Target are even better with Starbucks in hand. // I have my eye on this top. Waiting for it to go on sale.

And now it's Monday. I have a million things to tackle at the office this week. I'm hoping these next five days are extremely productive and that they pass by quickly. I'm kind of already counting down to next weekend. I hope you all have a wonderful day!

Shiny Shoes

The other day while browsing through the Geranimo Balloons instagram feed I discovered the loveliest photo of gold metallic oxfords. GOLD METALLIC OXFORDS. I kind of couldn't believe how pretty they were. Maybe a little impractical, but so awesome. Naturally I followed up this discovery by doing some internet window shopping for other metallic shoes. This (of course) led me to J. Crew, where I found so many pretty pairs. These are a few of my favorites.

wedges | oxfords | sandals | flats

This whole metallic shoe thing might be a temporary trend, but I'm hoping it stays around a while. I'm also hoping to get one of these fancy pairs. I'm thinking the Lillian wedge, because I've been wanting them forever. 

What do you think of metallic shoes? Pretty and fun or maybe a little much?

Snapshots of Late

I'm headed back to work today after a wonderful four day weekend. This was supposed to be the weekend that I went to Kansas City to visit friends and see Mumford & Sons. But as you may have heard, the band cancelled three of their shows after their bassist Ted had to have emergency brain surgery. It sounds like he's doing well, and I'm wishing him all the best!

After the concert was cancelled, the trip was, too. Definitely a bummer, but I'm planning another weekend trip or two later this summer so it's ok. And on the bright side, it gave me two extra days to relax and get things done.

It is definitely feeling like summer here in Minneapolis. As much as I dislike the heat (I would much rather have fall temps) I love all of the activities that come along with summer. I love sleeping with the windows open, going for impromptu runs at night, and the fact that the sun rises early and sets late. It's a pretty amazing season.

I'm taking forever to finish Grace Coddington's memoir, but I really love it so far. I read a little most nights before bed and I've found it's a much better way to unwind than watching an episode of Parks & Rec, which was what I did for a while. (I still love you Ron Swanson.)

This past weekend was jam packed with festivities. My roommate's best friend was in town for the weekend, and we went out both nights. On Saturday we checked out the most adorable art fair on St. Anthony Main and ate dinner at a restaurant along the river. I also went to brunch with my brother and sister-in-law. It was such a treat; I rarely get to see those two!

I'm looking forward to a short week and happy hour with friends on Thursday. I've been trying to make time to get together with friends during the week lately. It always seems to make the work week go a little bit faster.

How is your week going so far? Only three days left until the weekend! 

Summer Sun

As I'm sure you're well aware, summer is (finally) in full swing. With it comes all of the outdoor activities everyone loves: picnics, days at the beach, parades, dining al fresco, and also lots of time in the sun. This summer I am finally becoming more proactive about protecting my skin from the sun.

I don't know why took me so long to realize how important sun protection is, but I'm glad I'm finally seeing it now. Skin cancer and premature skin aging are no joke, and I intend to do everything possible to prevent both.

j. crew straw hat | j. crew panama hat

michael kors sunglasses

aveeno lotion SPF 15 | smashbox photo finish primer SPF 20 | neutrogena sunscreen SPF 55

My summer sun essentials are pretty straightforward. I just bought the J. Crew panama hat and I love it. I think every single person on my instagram feed owns the same one. It's a keeper. I also love a good pair of sunglasses. Michael Kors makes my favorites. 

For skin care products, I'm obsessed with Aveeno's daily moisturizing lotion. It feels like normal lotion but has SPF 15 built in. I also love the Smashbox primer with SPF 20 and the above Neutrogena sunscreen is my absolute favorite. Whatever you prefer to use, it's so important to wear sunscreen every. single. day. Not just in the summer, but all year round.

Along with the preventative measures above, you should be sure to visit your dermatologist for an annual exam. That way if anything is wrong, they can catch it before it gets too serious. I have mine scheduled for next week.

What are your favorite summer skin care products? I would love to know!

13 in 13

I've always considered summer to be the months of June, July, and August. None of this June 21st through September 21st business. Since when does it still feel like summer on September 21st? Since never. With my impeccable math skills, I count that out to be 13 weeks. Thirteen weeks of summer sun and lots of time outdoors. Even though I now have a full time job and summer isn't quite as magical as it was when I was going to school, there's still something about this time of year. Last night I looked outside at 9 pm and smiled at the fact that it was still light out. I mean, how wonderful is that?

So to commemorate the change in seasons, I thought I would make a list of goals for this summer. Thirteen of them to be exact. One for each week. Some are simple and some are big, but I'm crossing my fingers I'll accomplish them all over the next three months.

1. Travel to St. Louis to visit friends and see Mumford & Sons. (!!!) This one is already in the works and I am so excited.

2. Take five minutes out of each and every day to write down or think of things I'm thankful for.

3. Read at least 3 books. Lean In and The Paris Wife are both on my list. Any other recommendations?

4. Go on a picnic. And in general, dine al fresco as often as possible.

5. Find a job that I love.

6. Try at least 3 new recipes.

7. Go to happy hour after work. A few times. This may seem simple but with my schedule during the week it's tough. But how fun is happy hour on a perfect summer night? Super fun.

8. Go to a movie in the park. One of my favorite summer activities.

9. Check my phone less. I'm looking at you G-mail, Twitter, and Instagram.

10. Redesign the blog. Or at least update it. My to do list for daydreamer is pretty long, and I think I've been avoiding it for that very reason.

11. Take a trip to my favorite city. Chicago, I miss you.

12. Go to an outdoor festival or fair. In Minneapolis I love the State Fair, the Uptown Art Fair, and the Basilica Block Party, to name a few.

13. See a fireworks show. Or two or three.

What are you most looking forward to doing this summer?

images via 1 // 2 // 3

A thought for the weekend

Earlier this week I was watching a talk and interview with Sheryl Sandberg on Levo League. In the middle of the segment, Sheryl posed the question, "What would you do if you weren't afraid?" Ever since then I've been thinking of how I would respond to that question and I've come up with a long list of answers. A list of things I would do if I weren't afraid of being judged, afraid of making the wrong decision, afraid of failing. Something to ponder this weekend if you have a spare moment. And if you have a spare hour, you should check out the entire talk with Sheryl on Levo League here. It's pretty wonderful.

On another note, I'm so thankful the weekend is finally here! I plan to sleep in (big shocker there), spend time with friends, and check out an anniversary sale at my favorite neighborhood shop, Parc Boutique. If you're in Minneapolis you should definitely stop by! I also have a constantly growing to do list and lots of things that need to be accomplished this weekend. Hopefully I can find a balance between productivity, relaxation, and time with friends.

Happy weekend to you! What are your plans?

This Jacket

Every single time I walk into J. Crew (as often as humanly possible) I immediately lay eyes on at least one new thing I have to have. It can happen in the shoe section, the jewelry section, the sale section, or any of the other (perfectly styled) areas of the store. Once I spot this one thing, I ponder. Should I buy it? Would I wear it enough? Is it going to be in style next year? What about the year after? These are just a few of the questions that run through my head.

Then, once I've thought long and hard, I either justify it and head to the register or I leave without it and then think about it for weeks to come until it A) goes out of stock before I can make up my mind or B) ends up in my closet after all. It sounds exhausting, I know.

Now that you have this fascinating back story to paint yourselves a picture, let me introduce you to the newest object of my affection. This jacket.

It comes in a mossy brown color as well and I would just love to add it to my closet. Decisions, decisions. What do you think of this utilitarian style? Hit or miss? And is there anything at the Crew that you've had your eye on lately?

Happy Wednesday! 

Weekend Snapshots

Thank God for long weekends. Am I right? They're one of my favorite things...ever. This weekend I spent lots of time catching up on sleep and relaxing. I also did a bit of work, went shopping, stopped by Pizzeria Lola, and went to my favorite yoga sculpt class. The one downside to this otherwise perfect weekend was the dreary weather. It was chilly and cloudy all weekend. Oh how I can't wait for the warmer, sunnier days of summer.

And now it's back to work for this girl. Is it bad that I'm already looking forward to Friday afternoon? Maybe...or maybe that's just normal. Either way, I hope your week is off to a great start!

How was your weekend? Did you do anything fun?

Lately

Lately I've been a little busy. Okay, really busy. I feel like I'm barely keeping up with everything, constantly at odds with some portion or another of my life. Work has been crazy. I have an internship that I love, but it keeps me very busy as well. In whatever spare time I can find I work out, just because that helps me
de-stress and makes me happy. And then at the end of every day I'm just exhausted, but I never have time to get enough sleep. I've been trying to spend time with family and friends, but that hasn't been happening nearly as much as I'd like. I read somewhere (or a million different places) that your twenties are for flailing, for making mistakes, and for figuring out who you are. If that's true then apparently I am right on track. 

Lately I've also been on the job hunt. I've had this longing to move to Chicago for years. Since high school in fact. I looked at colleges in Chicago, but the private school I wanted to attend ended up being too expensive and I fell back on the University of Minnesota. I had a lovely time there, but now that I've finished my undergrad this feeling has come back again. I want to move to Chicago. I've found over the years that I learn and grow much more when I'm in a new environment. I feel like life in Minneapolis has become a little stagnant and a little uninspired. So in the rest of my spare time (ha!) I've been searching for jobs in Chicago.

Then there's this little blog, which I have been neglecting much more than I like to think about. I either don't have time to write, or when I do have time, I have no energy to compose a post inspiring or coherent enough to publish. To be honest, I've sometimes wondered whether or not I should keep daydreamer. I know I should, and I will, because I love being a part of this wonderful community of inspiring people. And when I do have time and energy to write, it's so much fun, and so refreshing to discuss the things that inspire me and the topics that are important to me.

Erin Gates wrote a post earlier this week on being in your thirties. Erin's post focused on the decision to have children and the judgement and difficulties that often come with the fact that she doesn't have any kids yet at age 33. She is such an inspiration and has an amazing career, but I have a feeling that if Erin wrote a post on being in your twenties when she was 23, she would have said she was flailing a bit, too. I guess every decade has brand new challenges that come along with it. And so far my twenties have been a mix of confusion and inspiration as I try to figure out my life.

Please know that I don't mean to complain. I realize I have so many things to be thankful for and I am always counting my blessings. But honesty is the best policy when it comes to blogging, and lately I've been a little stressed. So bear with me if you will. Posts may be a little sporadic for the time being, but I'll still be here. You guys are the best.

image via

Gifts for Mom

Moms are tough to shop for. Or at least my mom is. She claims she doesn't want or need anything and leaves it up to me to get creative. Luckily, creativity is my strong suit. But that's beside the point. Even if your mom isn't quite as reserved as mine when stating what she wants for any given holiday, I have a feeling she isn't handing you a wish list and making the whole process super easy.

I can't spill what I'm giving my mom for Mother's Day, (she's my most devoted reader) but I am so curious to hear what you're giving your mom as a token of appreciation this Sunday. These are some of the ideas that come to mind when I think of Mother's Day gifts.

1. Baubles. Give her a fun piece of jewelry that she wouldn't buy for herself.

2. Spa activities. A manicure, pedicure, massage, or facial will do just fine. Or even better, go to the spa with her and make a day out of it.

3. Tickets to a favorite play or concert. Sometimes the nicest gifts aren't objects, but experiences.

4. A gift card (make sure it's to her favorite store!). I know, I know, gift cards can be incredibly impersonal. But I would be lying to you if I said I'm not thrilled when I get a gift card to my favorite store (ahem ahem, J. Crew).

5. Flowers. But make sure your mom is someone who likes flowers. After all, some people don't appreciate them quite as much as others.

6. Treat her to brunch or dinner - or cook a delicious meal yourself!

What are you giving your mom, or any other moms in your life, for Mother's Day?

images - here & here

Weekend Snapshots

This was one of the most relaxing weekends I've had in a long time. I did no work, which is kind of unheard of for me. I'll surely pay for it this week but that's okay. It was worth it. I ate at a few of Minneapolis' best rated restaurants for 2013. There was Pizzeria Lola, Patisserie 46, and The Bachelor Farmer, all of which were amazing. I also (finally) watched Silver Linings Playbook, which was pretty incredible. Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence were perfect for their roles. And yesterday I took advantage of the gorgeous weather and went for a long run along the river.

This week is going to be a busy one, but my spirits are up because of the weather forecast. Could spring finally be here? I'm crossing my fingers.

How was your weekend? Did you do anything fun?

Spring Sunnies

Now that spring is here and summer is just around the corner, I'm on the hunt for a few new pieces of clothing and accessories to add to my wardrobe. One of those pieces is a new pair of sunglasses (or, as my friend calls them, hater blockers). I realize that we wear sunnies all year long, but this always seems like the best time of year to invest in a new pair.  But being that I am thee most indecisive person in the world, it seems to take me forever to find the perfect ones. There are so many styles to choose from! I've narrowed the search down to four of the most classic frames: aviator, cat eye, wayfarer, and oversized. 

Aviator | Cat Eye | Wayfarer | Oversized

Which look is your favorite when it comes to sunglasses?

A Weekend Wedding

This past weekend I went to St. Louis for a wedding with some friends. It ended up being the perfect little getaway. I left work early Friday afternoon and made it to St. Louis just in time for the rehearsal dinner. The rehearsal turned into drinks, lots of good conversation, and a 2 am bedtime. Totally worth it.

On Saturday we slept in a little, had breakfast, took advantage of the hotel pool, (because we apparently still think we're five years old) and got ready for the wedding. I wore my favorite heels and this number from Parc Boutique. The ceremony was at five with a dinner and reception after. The entire thing was just so. much. fun. On Sunday morning we went out to brunch and watched the bride and groom open a few wedding gifts before I had to head back to Minneapolis. Overall I had a wonderful weekend.

Now it's Wednesday and I can hardly believe how quickly this week has been flying by. I've been really busy with work but I did have time to fit in workouts Monday and Tuesday and that seems to have made all the difference. Gotta love those endorphins.

I hope you're having a lovely week so far!

Happy Weekend (and i'm off!)

Thank goodness it is finally Friday. Is anyone else with me? This week has quite possibly been the most stressful week of the year thus far and I am so happy it's over. If you've noticed a lack of posting lately (it's kind of hard to miss), that would be the reason for it. I have a big event coming up for work that has been taking up lots of time, and along with my internship (which I love), it's been a lot. I miss writing my daily blog posts, not to mention reading my favorite blogs on a regular basis, and I hope I can get back in the swing of things soon!

On the bright side, this crazy week has come to an end and I am off to a attend a wedding in St. Louis! I'll get to spend time with some of my best friends and I am so excited to get away and relax a little. I'm writing from the airport right now (whilst people watching, which is probably one of my favorite activities ever). Plans for the weekend include a rehearsal dinner tonight, the wedding and reception tomorrow, and hopefully something fun on Sunday before I come back to Minneapolis. It should be a lovely time.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend! What are your plans?

image via

Weekend Snapshots

Ah the weekend. These past few days were a very happy mix of relaxation and productivity. With last week and the beginning of the weekend combined, I watched more CNN than I have ever watched in my life. I'm so glad there was finally an end to the crazy, unsettling week in Boston. 

On Saturday I did a little shopping and picked up some new flats, sunglasses, and a pair of shorts for the day (hopefully in the near future) when it is finally warm enough to wear them. On Sunday I woke up early, finished a feature for The Everygirl and headed over to Corepower for my favorite yoga sculpt class.

Now it's Monday and I am preparing for a very very busy week. Along with my 9-5 job, I'll be working Monday and Tuesday nights for my internship, grabbing dinner Wednesday night with a good friend, and getting a haircut and manicure Thursday night before leaving for a wedding in St. Louis on Friday. It should be fun!

I hope you had a wonderful weekend! What's on the agenda for your week?

Meet The Spades

Meet The Spades. Kate and Andy. Have you heard of them? If not, you’ve probably heard of the two mega brands they’ve founded – Kate Spade and Jack Spade. Ahh yes, now it’s ringing a bell. I have such a great love for anything and everything Kate Spade, so when I discovered these beautiful pictures of their home in Southampton, I wasn’t very surprised to find I loved that, too. The bright colors and patterns and eclectic details found throughout the home’s décor remind me of all the things I love about Kate Spade’s clothing, accessories, and handbags. Take a look around and see what you think.

Beautiful, right? If you have a few extra minutes on your hands, feel free to take a peak at a home tour given by Andy himself. Happy Thursday!

images - Matchbook Magazine via StevenSclaroff.com