Life: Here and There

Happy Friday, loves! In the past few weeks, I have enjoyed a lot of treats and a lot of drinks {can you tell from the pictures below?} I swooned over champagne and macaroons and surprised myself with how delicious my homemade French toast with baked apples was {want the recipe? Let me know!} I watched one of my all-time favorite movies, 500 Days of Summer and cried like a baby at my friend Susan's wedding. I drank old fashioneds, purchased Mad Men for a steal of a price and got happy hour with my ladies. I spent time in Wisconsin with my sister, ate way too much at Thanksgiving and spent Black Friday getting Big Macs with the boyfriend at McDonalds {pathetic, right?} I found the cutest picture of my dad and I on the dock, listened to some good tunes on the drive home from Wisconsin, danced the night away with one of my besties and saw Tosh.0!

- C

|| cocoreigh on Instagram ||

Celebrate: Sounds of the {Holiday} Season.

I'm a Christmas music junkie. Seriously, it pains me to wait until after Thanksgiving to turn on my holiday tunes. So while we're still feasting on Thanksgiving leftovers and the snow is beginning to fall, it's time to turn on the holiday music and let it snow.

Throughout the season, I'll be posting some of my holiday favorites for you to listen to as you pour yourself {another} mug of hot cocoa. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. Look for more in the coming weeks!

 - C

1. Christmas Song - Dave Matthews Band
2. Frosty the Snowman - Ella Fitzgerald
3. Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy - The Nutcracker
4. Merry Christmas Everybody - Rooney
5. Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) - Michael Buble

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Recipe: Giving Thanks for Thanksgiving Leftovers

While it's hard to admit after eating so much on Thanksgiving, it's nice to have a few Thanksgiving leftovers sitting in the refrigerator. But while turkey sandwiches were a welcome treat on Black Friday, after a few days, I tend to grow a little tired of them. With the leftovers I was lucky to take home from Thanksgiving, I'm craving something new.

Thankfully, Martha Stewart has a number of scrumptious recipes to make your Thanksgiving leftovers seem new again. 

Here are a few of my favorites!

-C

         quesadillas  || turkey soup   

roasted melts || pot pies 

Blog: Weeklies

Well, here it is loves, we're almost mid-way into yet another week. And with a million different things on my mind, I'm craving a bit of structure. So here it is, a formal introduction to a few new weekly series I'll be posting here and there.

|| Here and There ||
Since I was pretty irregular in posting "Goings On," Here and There will be about all things here and there. Instagram pictures, restaurant visits, date nights, shopping sprees - basically all things wonderful.

|| Good Eats ||
I have to admit it, I'm a wannabe foodie/wannabe Julia Child in the making. I love cooking, trying new recipes, inventing my own and of course, eating. This series will be all about dishes made by yours truly, and recipes if they turn out well!

|| Pinterest Diaries ||
You caught me, this is an old series - but I'm more than happy to continue it! As you might have guessed, I am still {mildly} addicted to Pinterest. So if you've enjoyed these posts so far, you're in luck! There's more to come.

I hope you're as excited as I am!

 - C

Style: Cyber Monday

As you probably know, I'm a big fan of online shopping. Big, huge. So when Cyber Monday comes along once a year, I can't help but shop. But since my family is celebrating Christmas early this year, my shopping list has been complete for more than a few weeks now. So on this Cyber Monday, I was keeping my Internet browser closed. That is, until I got an email from J. Crew Factory that I simply couldn't resist.

50% off plus free shipping - what's a girl to do?

The answer? Shop 'till you drop.

Only $99 later and I was the owner of a fabulous fall coat, braided winter headband and classic long sleeve striped tee. And I have to say, I can't complain.

Did you shop this Cyber Monday?

 - C

 || tee || 

 || headband ||

|| coat ||

Style: Shopping in Style

Hello Twentyapolitans! I hope you all had a fabulous Thanksgiving weekend spent with friends and family that included delicious food and festive holiday drinks.

Now that Thanksgiving has come and gone, the holiday season is finally here! And that means one thing - apart from holiday music being completely acceptable, it's time to start shopping!

Just in case you missed it, I was lucky enough to guest blog on Shop with Sarah last week. In preparation for Black Friday, I blogged about choosing a shopping outfit that combined both style and comfort. While the look was great for Black Friday, it also works for any holiday shopping you might be doing in the coming month.

Let's be honest - while buying gifts for friends and family is wonderful, shopping is no easy feat. Cold temperatures, bags upon bags of goodies - you get the gist. But that's no reason to compromise style. Consider pairing velvet leggings with a flowy sweater for a look that is as comfortable as pajamas yet incredibly chic.

And if you're shopping in the Twin Cities area {or anywhere in the Midwest for that matter}, layering is key. Between the cold temperatures outdoors and the heat indoors, being able to remove layers is a necessity. Instead of a traditional winter coat, which can be bulky and hot, pair a quilted vest with a lush faux fur scarf. Top it off with a pair of boots and tortoise shell glasses for a look that is effortlessly stylish.

Here are some of my favorite pieces. The best part? All of the items below are available online - no trip to the store needed! Save your energy for your next holiday shopping trip to the mall!

- C

set || sweater || scarf || hat || glasses || vest || leggings || mittens || boots

Celebrate: Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving! In lieu of posting today, I wish you a happy Thanksgiving spent with friends and family. Have fun and eat much!

- C

Blog: Guest Post || Shop with Sarah

I’m so excited to be back posting on Twentyapolis – always a pleasure!

A few weeks back I shared my first guest post, which talked about the best places in the Twin Cities for Black Friday shopping. Well friends, Black Friday and the holidays are upon us and it’s never too early to start thinking about dresses for the many holiday parties and events. If you’re going to be shopping during this weekend, why not scoop one (or three) up?

This season, we’re seeing lots of gorgeous, rich colors such as burgundy, dark purples and navy. We’re also seeing lots of shimmer and lace. For an added touch, think about adding a little something extra to your holiday ensemble such as an oversized clutch, metallic belt or sparkly hair accessory.

Something to keep in mind- you don't need to spend a fortune to look fab at your holiday soiree! Here are a few picks all under $100: 

H&M, $29.95

Piperlime, $99

Anne Taylor, $69.99

Nordstrom BP, $58.00 

Francesca's, $44.00

Celebrate: Cheers to Thanksgiving

In my family, Thanksgiving has always been about spending time with family and friends, eating good food and being thankful... and that includes being thankful for holiday drinks.

After a cheerful phone call with my grandma this afternoon (our Thanksgiving hostess), it was decided that I would be supplying the wine for the holiday. As a 22-year old emerging wine aficionado, I was more than happy to oblige!

While I'm well-versed in dessert wines, choosing a wine selection for Thanksgiving dinner threw me a bit of a curve ball at first. With all of the flavors, how do you choose a wine to match them all?

Thankfully, Better Homes and Gardens had my back (as they always do)! I was happy to learn there's no "wrong" wine to pick for the event, and that simplicity and taste should be the most important factors. A lover of lighter wines with fruity flavors, I was happy to learn I had many options to choose from when wine shopping!

My family serves both turkey and ham at Thanksgiving dinner, so I'll be choosing a few different flavors that will go well with everything we're serving at the dinner table. From the turkey to the ham, mashed potatoes to cranberry sauce, these wines will enhance the multitude of flavors, rather than overpower them.

      

White Wine: Riesling
Blush Wine: Zinfandel
Red Wine: Pinot Noir

As you can see, I'll be buying Barefoot Wine and Bubbly this year - not only do they offer a wide variety of wines, but they're also extremely affordable, which is important for any girl on a budget! And the best part? They taste fantastic.

But I couldn't forget about the gentlemen of the family, who are beer drinkers to the bitter end. Since Jack and I will be celebrating Thanksgiving in Wisconsin, what better way to celebrate than with a Wisconsin beer? Hello New Glarus Spotted Cow!

|| spotted cow ||

Buying wine for Thanksgiving? I hope this helps! Need to know more? I'd love to help!

- C

Career: Newsy Girl

Wow, how is already Sunday already? After a very busy few days at work, I finally have a few minutes to relax and get back to Twentyapolis.

Speaking of work, this week has been very newsy. Time spent reading newspapers, coordinating live TV segments and spending time in studio for morning news programs - it's been a newsy week for me. It reminds me why I majored in journalism in the first place.

And it just can't be a newsy week on Twentyapolis without the essentials. Here are my favorite "newsy" accessories. Enjoy!

- C

coffee mug || laptop briefcase || clutch || note cards

Life: The Pinterest Diaries

I love a good party. And with a wedding and the holidays coming up, it's time to celebrate.

Happy pinning!

- C

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Style: Thank Goodness for Thanksgiving

As you can see, I'm in a bit of a Thanksgiving mood lately. But sadly enough, I think Thanksgiving is a severely underrated holiday. Not only do we get two days vacation from work, but we literally get to eat as much as we want with zero judgement for it. And if you're a part of my family, the same can also be said for alcohol, which is acceptable the minute the turkey goes in the oven (which usually means 11 a.m.) What's not to love?

As Thanksgiving is all about eating, having a suitable outfit is key (and is a great reason to go shopping.) Needing the perfect mix of style and comfort, it's important to get the outfit right. 

For me, it's all about warmth and comfort (with a hint of cuteness.) What you see below is almost exactly what I'll be wearing on Thanksgiving (seriously, that sweater is hanging in my closet.) The rest of the items I already have (or a close version of them.) The best part? The price was right - nothing I bought broke the bank, and many of it I already owned.

What are you wearing this Thanksgiving? Tell me more!
- C

sweater || scarf || pants || necklace || earrings || flats

Dine: Giving Thanks (with Drinks)

Celebrating a holiday with a spirited beverage or two is one of the main reasons I love the holidays altogether. Friends, family, food - it's the perfect occasion for a fanciful cocktail.

The next holiday on our list? Thanksgiving! And in preparation for the big day, Martha Stewart has put together a list of delicious-looking cocktails perfect for turkey day. The best part? With so many to choose from, taste-testing them ahead of time is perfectly acceptable.

You can see her full list here. But below are some of my favorites!

- C

      

      

|| via ||

Style: Getting Cozy

Just in case you missed it, I was fortunate enough to guest blog on Shop with Sarah last week. To celebrate the beginning of winter (and the first snow!) I outlined my must-have accessories for winter. The best part? Completely affordable. See a sneak peek here and check out Shop with Sarah for all the details!

- C

Celebrate: Let it Snow

Goodness gracious I don't believe it - IT'S SNOWING IN MINNEAPOLIS. It couldn't be more clear that winter is right around the corner.

So on this Sunday, I'm spending the day inside with endless cups of coffee, wool socks and a down blanket. Let the Christmas shopping begin!

- C

|| via ||

Life: Goings On

This week, I worked. A lot. I voted (did you?) and celebrated the election. I got a very mysterious text from the bf saying he was at Pottery Barn and throw blankets were on sale - does this worry anyone else? I got schooled on Words with Friends, listened to some DJ Edward and took one last photo of our jack-o-lanterns from Halloween. I tried to put my allergies aside to snuggle with Quincy the cat and had avery very happy hour at work. I made a mean monkey bread for Sunday breakfast, shopped the sale section at Gap and got the cutest picture of the most handsome black lab in the world.

 || via cocoreigh on Instagram || 

Blog: Guest Post || Shop With Sarah

I was so excited when I was invited to blog for Twentyapolis. A long time fan, I can’t think of a better blog to write my first guest post on! Even better, we did a little switch-a-roo so she’ll be posting on my blog today as well. I write for Shop with Sarah where I share tips on how to dress, shop and dine out affordably, because living on a budget doesn’t have to be boring, right? Speaking of budgets, the holidays are right around the corner and if you’re like me, shopping on Black Friday might be the best thing you can do for your budget. I’ve put together some tips to help you shop smart and make the most of the Black Friday madness.

First off, where to go?

• Mall of America- Opens at midnight! If you plan on going for the, just don’t have too much wine with your Thanksgiving dinner. (I shouldn’t have to warn you about this one but it goes something like this: Drinks + shopping = what budget?)
• Rosedale- Also opens at midnight! If you choose to go here, make sure you hit up my favorite stores – Francesca’s, J Crew, Gap, Hot Mama…
• Albertville Outlet Shops- Again, opens at midnight. I know it seems like a long ways from the city (even Eden Prairie seems like a hike to me these days), but it’s so worth it. There are plenty of designer shops, which are sure to have great sales going on.
• Edina. Edina is in a category of its own as it boasts some of the greatest shopping districts in town. Southdale, 50^th/France, Galleria – you can’t go wrong with any of these places, most of which I presume open at midnight.

Now that you know where to go, think about what you want to buy. New work clothes? A winter coat? Christmas gifts? It’s good to plan this out ahead of time so you don’t go rogue in your favorite stores.

Once you’ve determined which stores you’ll be visiting, shop the sales! Seriously though, I can’t stress this enough. Most stores haven’t released what their Black Friday sales will be yet, but you can count on seeing some great deals… the possibilities are endless.

As we inch closer to the big day, I’ll be sharing just what those deals are on Shop with Sarah. So check it out and follow me on twitter for all the up-to-the-minute-deets!

Blog: Blog Swap

Happy Friday Twentyapolitans! To celebrate the weekend, Twentyapolis will be blog-swapping today! I leave you in the hands of my BFF Sarah of Shop with Sarah. Head on over to see my blog post there later today!

Until tomorrow!

- C



Style: J Crew Does it Again

I've said it before and I'll say it again, J. Crew is the god of styling. Just check out their looks for winter.  Blown away? Me too.

And their latest spread makes me feel much better about my neutral winter wardrobe. In fact, it makes me feel stylish. And, dare I say it, it keeps me longing for the temperatures to drop.

While my wallet can't afford each and every piece, these looks are the perfect guide when updating any wardrobe for winter.

So shop on!

- C

one || two || three || four || five || six