Holiday: 2014

Happy last day of 2013, gems! I have to say, 2013 has been pretty good to me.

Very needless to say, this year has been good to me, Jack and our families (remember this post?). I lived alone, and loved it. Jack and I signed a lease for and moved into our first apartment together. We spent time with family in Wisconsin, Minnesota and all around the Midwest. I was published again in Minnesota Bride. One of my dearest friends got married, and another found out a little bundle of joy is on the way. I spent time in NYC with Jack and my best girlfriends. We laid by the pool, camped, ate, drank, laughed with friends. I blogged, sometimes a lot, sometimes not enough. We went to our first real outdoor, hippie concert to see Mumford & Sons with our best friends. We cheered on the Packers and the Lions (sort-of the Lions). I got Lasik. We saw concerts, cooked meals, went to happy hours, took walks along St. Anthony Main, decorated and broke many things in our apartment, became "adults" with good credit scores, bills and loan payments. We went to Mexico and enjoyed every second. I cooked our first Thanksgiving dinner (and things actually tasted really good). We read books, drank old fashioneds, spent the holidays with our families and loved each-other.

2013, you've been good to us. Thank you for that.

So for us, we're celebrating 2013 the best way we know how - fancy dresses, suits and ties, bottles of champagne, festive celebrations and great friends. I can't think of a better way to celebrate all the great things that happened in 2013, and ring in a brand new year!

Enjoy the last hours of 2013. I'll see you in the new year!

 - C

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Life: The Girls

Happiest of Mondays, loves! At least, that's what I'm telling myself this morning. Minneapolis is FREEZING today. Literally freezing (and no, I'm not being dramatic). With the wind chill, Minnesota is ranging anywhere in-between -30 and -70 degrees today. Remember that time I came back here from Mexico? Why on earth did I do that, again?

What is helping me get through today is reminiscing about my much-needed weekend with my BFFs. Truth be told, I think one of the healthiest things you can do is spend quality time with your girlfriends. Growing up with a sister and as a sorority girl, my girlfriends have always been incredibly important and special to me. While I love spending time with Jack and growing our relationship every day, the first (and strongest) relationships I ever built were those with my girlfriends. I know it's cheesy, but ladies, I love you and I need you. And I'm one lucky girl to have you!

It's funny - while work, busy schedules, holidays, travel and everything else might get in the way, whenever we are able to spend time together, it's as though nothing has changed. After a weekend telling and retelling stories, asking for and giving advice, drinking, eating, giving many, many hugs and laughing until we cry, I feel restored. Girls, you get me. You're here for me, care about me and sometimes know me better than I know myself. I love you ladies, and don't know what I'd do without you!

Not to mention, these pictures are helping me get through this most dreaded Monday, and I love you for that. Can't wait to see you all again soon!

Until next time,

C

|| Photos are property of Twentyapolis. Do not use or distribute ||

Style: Brands I Love

Happy weekend! I don't know about you, but even with a short week, this weekend was much needed. While I love the holidays, I always need a few days to rejuvenate!

And sometimes, rejuvenating means shopping. Obviously. Especially with all the post-holidays deals going on, now is a great time for some retail therapy!

When it comes to brands, we all have our favorites. If you want to know a little bit more about my favorite brands (particularly the brands I've collaborated with on Twentyapolis), head to my newly created "Brands I Love" page at the top of the blog (or click this link here to be directed even faster). These brands are near and dear to me, and I hope you love them as much as I do!

With that, it's party time, and I've got some prepping to do. More pictures about tonight's gathering in the next few days!

xo,
C

Holiday: Merry Little Christmas

Whatever your plans are today, loves, enjoy every single minute. Cheers to a very merry Christmas spent with family and friends.

Happy holidays, to you and yours.

 - C

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Holiday: Merry + Bright

...we just had to.

I love receiving holiday cards. Truth be told, I have no idea what to do with them once I have them (other than hang them on our refrigerator?), but there's just something about holiday cards that really signify the holidays to me. So this year, we just had to send one.

Totally goofy, and totally us. That's our holiday card. And we'll be spending our Christmas Eve being just as silly - watching holiday movies, ordering Chinese food and laughing until we cry. One of the many, many reasons why I love that kiddo below.

Well, it's time for us to hit the road and head back to the Cities. We miss you already, Mom and Dad! Love you so much.

Happy Holidays, and Merry Christmas.

xo,
C

|| Photo is property of Twentyapolis. Do not use or distribute ||

Celebrate: 24

Well today, it's my birthday. Eat up, everyone! 

24, it's nice to meet you! While I'm excited that today marks the start of year 24, 23 was pretty good to me. Last year on my birthday, my family was on a plane on the way to a week long vacation in the Dominican Republic (talk about a great way to spend a birthday). In the past year, I successfully lived by myself, signed a lease and moved into an apartment with Jack, was promoted at work, found my passion for yoga, explored the Twin Cities, spent countless weekends with family and friends, went to Mexico with Jack and spent the holidays in Wisconsin with my family in a true winter wonderland. 23, you were incredible. 24, you've got a lot to live up to!

So today, let's celebrate. The cake and champagne is on me.

xo,

C

Turning 24 soon? Check out this read from College Candy about the 24 Things You Should Learn Before Your 24th Birthday.

Holiday: Home for the Holidays

Well, after a very long Friday (and an even longer 5+ hour Friday night drive home), we made it to Wisconsin! We're officially home for the holidays.

Old fashioneds, holiday movies, flannel blankets, lots of hugs, gifts galore and snowy walks - that's been our life for the past few days! We're so excited to be here until Tuesday. After that, it's off to Minneapolis to spend Christmas Day with Jack's family.

In the mean time, it's time to cuddle up on a blanket with these goofballs...

xo,
C

|| Photos are property of Twentyapolis. Do not use or distribute ||

Mood: December Feel

December, you are a beautiful little thing.

I was so unbelievably happy to return home yesterday after a few different trips (Reno, Denver and San Antonio). I think, for the very first time, I really understood what people meant when they say "I'm so happy to be home." With the holidays just a few days away and a to-do list down to my knees, all I've wanted to do is curl up on my couch, wool socks on my feet, cocoa in my hand, cuddling up next to our Christmas tree getting things done. I had a wonderful time with my extended family, but there's just something about the holidays that makes me want to be home. 

Not to mention, I returned home to a gorgeous city covered in snow, twinkling under the street lights. Minneapolis, I may not be able to get anywhere in my car on your snow covered streets, but I just love you so.

December, I'm feeling you, and all that you bring. Your chilly temperatures, holiday lights, endless cups of cocoa, holiday cards, cookies and everything in-between. I'd love of you could stick around for a while.

xo,

C

lights || cocoa || print || gift || note || cookies

Life: Family Frolic

When I think of my past weekend in Colorado, the word frolic comes to mind.

Since the minute I touched down on Thursday, I was surrounded by family every single minute. I come from a very large family, so this is not only natural, but very comforting to me. I hadn't seen some of these lovelies for months (or even longer), so spending a long weekend with them right before the holidays was exactly what I needed.

All weekend long, we frolicked. We looked through old photographs (yes, that beautiful lady below is my grandma!), laughed until we almost cried (or cried, sometimes), ate and drank way too much, had great conversations and gave lots of hugs and kisses. It was a fantastic weekend.

I've only been gone two days, and I miss them already. See you this summer, my loves!

xo,

C

|| Photos are property of Twentyapolis. Do not use or distribute ||

Style: Twentyapolis Gift Guide: For Him

I couldn't do a "Gift Guide for Her" without doing a "Gift Guide for Him," right? Believe it or not, I actually like putting together the "For Him" guide more than the "For Her!" Doing so really helps me get a good idea of what to buy the guys in my life over the holidays. I don't know about you, but I have the hardest time buying gifts for Jack and my dad. I swear, every single year, I hear "I don't need anything, having you is gift enough!" Puh-lease. It's Christmas, and you're getting gifts, like it or not.

Again, I'm not going to waste too much of your time - I know we're just a little more than a week before Christmas! The good news is that all of these companies (again, some of my faves - Herschel, Coach, Timex, Brooks Brothers, Keen and J. Crew) all have express shipping so get these gifts to your doorstep well before Christmas.

Happy shopping!

C

backpack || cards against humanity || card holder || moustache mug || watch || shave set || zombie book || entertainment book || alarm clock || bottle opener || hiking boots

Style: Twentyapolis Gift Guide: For Her

It's that time of year (a favorite, for me) - time for my holiday gift guide for her!

Call it cliché if you must, but I just love buying holiday presents. I'm hyper-organized and a little on the OCD side, so for me, gift buying begins in November (who am I kidding, it's more like October). Truth be told, I'm thinking of gifts throughout the year, and have a secret document on my laptop where I store all of my ideas. When the weather starts getting colder, the shopping begins!

If you're buying gifts for your mother, sister, mother-in-law, BFF, aunt, cousin, grandma, work Secret Santa, whoever it may be, the below gifts are great ideas to get your creative juices flowing (spoiler alert: I've bought a few of these for people on my list!) Each item is reasonably priced, can be ordered online and are from some of my absolute favorite brands (Keen, J. Crew, Kate Spade, Burt's Bees, YogiToes and Anthropologie, just to name a few!)



With Christmas only 10 days away (crazy, right?) I won't waste any more of your time. Time to get shopping!

Happy Holidays!
C

pillow || sweatshirt || scarf || eyeshadow || book || earrings || espresso machine || necklace || lip balm || yoga mat || hiking boots || socks || phone case

Style: In My Suitcase

The second half of my week-long travel is involving a little stopover in Colorado to visit my family (many more pictures on this to come). It's been far too long since I've seen them, and I'm so excited to spend some time with them before the holidays!

As I was packing for a few days of work in Reno and the weekend in Colorado, it struck me - my style has a definite "look" about it. Filled with stripes, earthy color tones, natural fabrics and suited to layer, I really never new how comprehensive my wardrobe was until I saw parts of it laid out, ready to be packed away in my suitcase.

Especially in the winter, I gravitate toward neutral colored layers and scarves. SO MANY SCARVES. Plus, I like my look to have a "natural" feel to it - faux fur (I know, not really natural, right?), leather, cotton and wool, I live in these fabrics during the winter. Especially as the season gets colder, I layer up more and more.

And with that, I'm off to spend some quality time with my aunt, Jill, cousin, Sophie and her cutie son, Cayde! As promised, more pictures to come.

Enjoy your Saturday!

xo,
C

|| Photo is property of Twentyapolis. Do not use or distribute ||

Style: Sunshine Shift

Well, if I did nothing else while I was in the Caribbean, I did happen to snap a few photos for an outfit post.

This dress made its way into my heart a few weeks ago when Jack and I were out shopping at a few vintage stores in South Minneapolis. The minute I saw it, I knew it would be the perfect summer dress (and great for Mexico). I love shift-style dresses, and the pink and navy print screamed sunshine to me. A few minutes later, I was its proud new owner.

Seeing as how it's freezing and snowy in Minneapolis (and not much better in Reno, where I'm located this week for work), it's clear this outfit isn't necessarily timely. But considering what a fantastic time I had wearing it with my love in Mexico, I just had to share! (Not to mention, the last two photos perfectly capture my reaction when Jack is holding the camera and tells bad jokes. One of the many reasons I love him!)

And with that, it's time to put on the 25 layers it will take me to venture outside today. See you soon, loves.

xo,
C

|| Photos are property of Twentyapolis. Do not use or distribute ||

Holiday: It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

Holy moly, it's December 8.

Insert "where did the time go?" comments, wide-eyed stares and bewilderment on my part.

Jack and I left Minneapolis for Mexico on Thanksgiving, and somehow during the week we were gone, it suddenly became the holiday season. I think it could have something to do with the fact that Thanksgiving was a week later than usual this year, but still, it's December 8. My birthday (the big 2-4) is in 15 days, and Christmas is in 17. How and when did this month start flying by so quickly?!

I'm a lover of all holidays, and because of my busy travel schedule in addition to our vacation (I'm traveling today through December 18), I knew we needed to get our apartment set up as soon as possible. Not to mention, I'm also a severe planner and may have a touch of OCD. So before we left for Mexico, our apartment looked like a winter wonderland. And with all the snow we received in the last few days, our decorations are finally starting to play the part!

I talked about our apartment a little bit in September, but I'm not sure words can really explain how at home Jack and I feel here. Especially with our wintery decorations, Christmas tree and holiday lights, our apartment is as cozy as can be (which is a good thing, as we're hiding away here until the temperature rises!)  

This post makes me miss home a little bit - I'm in Reno/Denver for the week, and I miss it already!

Stay warm!

 - C

|| Photos are property of Twentyapolis. Do not use or distribute ||

Travel: Caribbean Catch-Up

Well hello there, gems. Let's just get this out in the open right away - I'm so so sorry for the massive hiatus. Are you wondering where November and the first half of December went? Me too. A busy tradeshow and a Caribbean vacation kept me pretty busy these last few weeks. And while my schedule isn't much lighter until after the holidays, I promise, I'm here to stay!

First things first, Jack and I just got back (literally) from our first ever vacation together. We left 30 degree, no snow on the ground Minneapolis on Thanksgiving day, and spent eight fantastic days sunning and adventuring in Tulum, Mexico. This past Thursday, we returned to sub-zero temperature Minneapolis with more than six inches of snow. Needless to say, it was not easy for us to get off the plane.

While I'm bundled up in wool socks and sweaters here, we are so thankful for the absolutely gorgeous trip we had. It was my first time in Mexico (Jack's third), and the area was unbelievable. Warm weather, pristine beach and lovely people. We had so much fun vacationing together (our first solo trip) and are already planning our next adventure!

So with that, a few pictures (a necessity in my opinion, right?)....

I hope these get you though the freezing cold Minneapolis morning!

xo,

C

|| Photos are property of Twentyapolis. Do not use or distribute ||