Travel: The Great Outdoors

Every city girl needs a little trip to the great outdoors every now and again. 

And after a summer in the city, that's exactly where this girl is headed.

Later this afternoon, my phone will lose signal. My emails, texts, social media updates and calls will end. Starting tonight, it will be just me, my tent, a comfy blanket and the great outdoors...(and Jack and the McCarthy clan too!)

Minneapolis, you've been so good to me, but I've got to send off the summer in style - under the stars. 

See you soon, Twentyapolis!

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Dine: Kitchen Novice

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Whether it's a good thing or not, I think this is exactly what I look like in the kitchen. While I'm relatively new to the world of cooking, I've got my go-to masterpieces memorized by heart (lasagna, red velvet cookies etc.) but am open to try anything new. Believe it or not, I know how to handle myself in the kitchen - my mom taught me well!

And in preparation for a weekend in the woods (more on that later), my Thursday afternoon will be spent in the kitchen. While I'm not expected to bring anything (thanks to the boyfriend's wonderful family), I don't like to go anywhere empty-handed. It's time to haul out the cookbooks!

Any thoughts on what I should bring? 

Love: A Simple Love

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I stumbled upon this quote today and couldn't help but smile. It always amazes me when someone is able to put one of my thoughts or feelings into words. And when it comes to my relationship, that's exactly what Hemingway has done.

Whether it was coincidence or fate, I'm not sure - but somehow I got everything I ever wanted. This is our love, a simple love.

Thank you, Hemingway.

Jack - xoxo. 

Blog: New Look

I feel like a blog re-design is kind of like getting a drastic new haircut...will people notice? Will they like it? Will they say anything?

Well, I've always known what I liked, and Twentyapolis is no different. So while my fingers are crossed you like the new design as much as I do, I'm happy everyone has their own opinions! But thankfully, I've always prided myself in not letting anyone get me down. So while I was (and still am) obsessed with my enchanting yellow blog, the seasons are 'a changin.' When it comes to fall and winter, I like dark, brooding colors. Various tones of gray, deep browns, stark whites - call it depressing if you must, but I've always been a fan of a lack of color. So voila! Hello slate gray! (But notice the subtle hints of yellow!)

It's only seasonal, but I hope you like the new look! As I'm still relatively new to blogging and Twentyapolis is still young, prepare for a few changes and re-designs along the way! 

So with that, welcome to the new Twentyapolis! As always, I'm so excited you're here! 

Dine: The Best (Worst) Thing I Have Ever Eaten

I've been trying to eat healthy lately. Protein bars, whole grains, lots of fresh fruits and vegetables - I honestly believe eating this way makes for a happier self. And I've been (mostly) good about it.

Until...

... the Great Minnesota Get Together.

How could I resist? Fried EVERYTHING, hoards of people with smiles on their faces, a warm and sunny day - I just couldn't say no.

And I have no regrets. Behold, deep-fried heaven.

A deep-fried Twinkie and Oreos? I'm convinced both are calorie-free.

Minnesotans, have you been to the State Fair yet? What was the best calorie-free thing you ate? Tell me more!

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Life: The Pinterest Diaries

Seeing how I spend the vast majority of my free-time on Pinterest, I figured it might be nice to share some of the things I'm pinning! So here it is, ladies and gents, my newest weekly series, The Pinterest Diaries. (This name is subject to change if and when my creative mind finally kicks back in.)

Voila! 

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Life: Goings On

Happy Sunday! What are your plans today? My Sunday is all about blogging, laundry and relaxing - and heading out to the Great Minnesota Get-Together - the State Fair! Pictures to come!

But other than that, this week I went to a vineyard in Kansas City, ate my weight in barbecue, had a fabulous time in Uptown with my cousin and his girlfriend, read the September issue on InStyle (it took two flights to read in its entirety) and drank coffee - lots and lots of coffee. I hung out with some of the greatest people and (finally) slept in on Sunday. And the best part? I have another great week ahead of me!

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Life: Home Again

After a very long week of business travel, I'm finally back home! While it's only been a few weeks, my studio feels more like home than ever before.

The reason? It's all in the details. From vintage lamps to my sleek IKEA bed, my puffy down blankets to my mismatched picture frames, every piece of my apartment has meaning. Having been raised by a mother with a vintage eye and impeccable style, my apartment is an eclectic mix - and I think she would be proud!

So on this Saturday night, I am more than happy to sit at home with Jack and a glass (or bottle) of wine.  Good night!

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Travel: The World's Barbecue Capital

Let's just say I never thought I'd be heading to the world's barbecue capital (until today, I wasn't even aware there was one.)  Well, I'm here to inform you that there is - and it happens to be Kansas City, Missouri.

Why am I going there, you might ask? A three-day agriculture (work) conference. So while I'm there, I'm going to be eating as much barbecue and soaking in as much jazz music as humanly possible (they're also known for jazz music as well - who knew?)

Ladies and gents, I'm heading south! 

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Life: Lazy Sunday

There is nothing I love more than a lazy Sunday.

Yes, part of me is a little heartbroken that the weekend is already over, but there's something serene and relaxing about a Sunday. Knowing today is my day to play catch-up, do laundry, buy groceries, lay around and spend some time on my blog - I feel good about Sundays.

My day so far? Sleeping in, getting breakfast with the boyfriend at our favorite Lowry Hill restaurant and catching up on our favorite shows.

How is your Sunday going so far?

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Style: Mad Style

I've been a little obsessed with Mad Men lately (I know, I'm a little late to the game.) And with a new vintage store right down the street from my new apartment (Via's Vintage - try it, it's to die for), I'm lusting over the '60s. 

As I'm not a recent college grad on a budget, wanting a certain piece of clothing isn't a good enough reason for me to go out and buy it (I wish it was.) However, I've made a rule for myself that it's a well-made clothing item that would be a staple in my wardrobe, it's worth saving up to buy it. Popular in both the '60s and today, these items have staying power and are worth the investment.

That being said, I couldn't help but search for some staple pieces for him and her. Jack, you'll thank me later!

for her: sweater || silk scarf || sunglasses || lipstick || sheath dress || necklace || flats

for him: tie || oxford shirt || sunglasses || cuff links || suit coat || shoes || glasses

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Life: Enjoying the Last Days

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I can't believe it's the middle of August already. It feels like just hours ago I was cramming for my last college final, excited for sun-filled days and weekends at the lake. But as the temperature began to drop this week, I was reminded what date it was. While I'm excited for the temperatures to drop and the leaves to change colors, the end of summer always seems to leaves me wanting just a little bit more. With just a few short weeks left, I'm going to enjoy every moment.

Before September begins, I vow to... 

Have happy hour on a patio in Lowry Hill

Go camping for the weekend

Wear short shorts 

Let my hair air-dry and be naturally wavy

Go on a walk around Lake of the Isles

Eat an ice cream cone

I can't wait to enjoy these last summer days. 

Life: Food (or Drink) For Thought

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Just a little food (or drink) for thought on this Thursday morning. 

Now with that, I'm off to Starbucks! 

Life: Common Happinesses

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My personal happinesses:

1. The first sip of my morning coffee

2. A random smile with a stranger

3. Baking in my kitchen

4. Sending and receiving hand-written letters

5. Being kissed

6. Waking up on a Saturday morning

7. Buying something on sale

8. A glass of wine

9. Thrifting

10. Making grand plans, real or imaginary 

11. Hearing my favorite song

12. Eating ice cream cones

13. Autumn

14. A relaxing bubble bath

15. Lazy afternoons with family

16. Petting my black lab, Boone

17. Giving gifts

18. Freshly washed sheets

19. Going out to lunch or dinner

20. Uncontrollable laughter

Where do you find happiness? Have a great day!

Life: Move = Complete.

Well ladies and gents, after a long week, lots of physical labor and some much-needed help from family and the boyfriend, I'm all settled in. It's my first time living on my own, and I've got to say, I'm liking it so far.

But enough about my move (but more to come on my chic little studio) - I've been one busy girl lately!

In the past week, I moved into a new apartment, drank my weight in coffee and tea, baked red velvet cookies and slept like a baby in my new bed. I ate some cheese curds, bought some new fall loafers, explored downtown and was published again in Minnesota Bride! I fell even more in love with that handsome stud down below, admired my Tiffany blue bathtub, went to the cabin and cuddled with my favorite black lab all night long. How was your week?

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