darling magazine

Friday, November 30, 2012



First off, happy end of Movember, friends. 
If your significant other has been raising money (or just awareness) for men's health issues by growing a mustache over the last 30 days like mine has, I'm sure you're glad to see the end of the month.

Today I wanted to share with you an amazing, relatively new magazine called Darling. My friend Victoria mentioned it on her blog earlier this month and I've been hooked ever since. (Thank you, Victoria!)

The basic idea behind the magazine is to inspire women to be the best people possible, while redefining stereotypes, providing fresh ideas, and battling common issues between women and their career/family/relationships. Actually, if you just read their mission, I have a hunch you'll feel instantly empowered.

There are eight personas within the magazine, each with their own set of articles tailored to common situations of that type of person. There's the Intellectual, Stylist, Beautician, Hostess, Dreamer, Confidant, Achiever, and Explorer.
I read them all, but find the Confidant, Explorer, and Achiever articles the most enjoyable and relevant.

So I'm curious, which Darling personality do you connect with most?

images via darling magazine

bucket list: be part of a startup

Wednesday, November 28, 2012


Since the age of 9 (whether I was technically aware of it or not) I have wanted to be an entrepreneur.
Yep. You read that right. Nine. Entrepreneur.
I learned that word from my dad, who worked long hours during my childhood to keep his company thriving.

There weren't any briefcases on my Christmas list or Excel spreadsheets in my dreams.
There were many late nights sketching apparel designs and inventing clothing store names.
While my dreams of being the owner of the best Delia's knock-off store have dissipated (at nine, Delia's was the coolest), my ambition to be part of a new company has not.

I didn't start my own business, yet.
But this past month (as I vaguely mentioned here), I became a founding member of one.
There have been lots of ups, a few downs, some restless nights, and many glasses of wine consumed since I quit my old job two Fridays ago.
Perhaps the best part of this whole experience so far is creating a company culture I can be proud of, and have an influential part of.
That, and I got to write the copy for the website.

It's a crazy thing, really. Leaving something old and familiar and hoping that your professional relationships and drive are enough to launch and sustain a a brand new venture.
I don't talk much about my corporate life on the blog, and I don't plan to much after this post, but I just had to share the exciting news.
It's hard to believe I get to cross this off the bucket list. I thought for sure I'd be at least 40 before an opportunity like this came around.

Here's to hoping hard work pays off!
Now I do believe it's just about wine time...

Image credit.

make it personal

Monday, November 26, 2012







Well I am officially motivated to get stuff done after the past four days of gluttony laziness Thanksgiving festivities. Stuff like Christmas shopping, cookie baking, and holiday music Spotifying. Who's with me?

As I start to search for perfect gifts for those on my list, I can't help but compile my own Christmas wish list. It's only a natural part of the process. Or at least that's what I tell myself....
One idea I'm really in love with is small, gold, personalized jewelry.
What a perfect gift to give or get this holiday season. 

Necklace brands from top left, working clock-wise: K Kane, BaubleBar, Maya Brenner, lala Design Studio
Image credits except K-Kane necklace, image from instagram

oh so thankful

Wednesday, November 21, 2012



Happy Thanksgiving!

First off, thank YOU for taking the time to read my little posts that pop up every few days.

via
Today, I'm oh so thankful for....

My beautiful family & friends.

Bacon. Red wine. Mashed potatoes & gravy. Pepper jack cheese. Naked juice.

The Kindle.

Safety. Shelter. Health. Faith.

Lavender linen spray.

Getting to spend time with my grandma coming in town from Wisconsin.

The internets. 
(Seriously, what else would I do with all this creative energy?)

The Plaza lighting ceremony.

Lancome mascara. J Crew. Leather handbags. Big sunnies.




these times they are a-changin'

Tuesday, November 20, 2012


Although I'm not the biggest Bob Dylan fan, the chorus of this song has been stuck in my head for some time.

My life is changing in some pretty big ways.

I'm taking a leap of faith in the career department, and I couldn't be more excited. Crossing something off the bucket list that I didn't think would be a possibility until I was in my late 30s, early 40s.

Life is GOOD.




bucket list: red hot chili peppers

Thursday, November 15, 2012



My love for the Red Hot Chili Peppers started when I bought the Californication album at age 13 before some family road trip.
I listened to it in a red Walkman with a Blink182 sticker on it.
Such a hipster.

Finally, 13 years later, I got to see Anthony Kiedis, Chad, Flea and Josh in person.
Bonus: Anthony only wore his shirt for the first two songs.
It was amazing, and I was so happy to be there. Beyond words.
Cross another wish off that bucket list!

What band/artist is at the top of your music bucket list?





i'm back and need your advice

Wednesday, November 14, 2012



My view last week. 

What I'm looking for more of this week.
via

I'm back from an extremely fun and relaxing vacation in Tulum. The freckles are out of control I tell ya.

One of my favorite people got hitched to a wonderful guy, and I played in the ocean with Blue Eyes and many new and old friends.
A few more pictures will be up later in the week, but I wanted to ask your advice on something. 

Through this past year of blogging, I've fallen completely in love with photography. 
I am starting to recognize when pictures have been taken with a DSLR vs. iPhone vs. little Canon PowerShot, which is what I currently use for vacations. 
It's a great starter camera, but I think it's time to take the plunge in to the expensive exciting DSLR world. 
Especially after I used my friend's Rebel a few times while in Mexico. 

So here are my questions for all you photographers (amateur or not) out there: 
What's the word on the street for the best beginner DSLR camera? 
What camera do you use? 
Do you like it? 
Where is the best place to buy? 
Are the warranties a waste of money?
Can I get something great for under $800? I sure hope so.
Give me all you got.

Update: I plan on taking lessons so I don't act like this with my new camera. Seriously Sony, hilarious.

month in photos: october

Monday, November 5, 2012



October was one wild ride.

6 happy hours.
4 Wildcat wins.
2 bachelorette parties.
2 surprise birthday parties.
1 nasty cold.
1 bucket list item completed.
0 cute pictures with Blue Eyes.
countless prayers said for the victims of Sandy.

just a bunch of slobs at Liz's bachelorette party in St. Louis

be prepared to see many more pics of Tiff and I in January as we head off to Mexico for destination wedding #2.

pretty pink Kansas City sky. 

impomptu DIY project with leftover Kate Spade packaging.

number 2, baby.

my 2013 planner arrived, compliments of Letter C design.

OliveBox.

Thursday, November 1, 2012


Lately I've found myself drawn to pinning pretty letterpress cards, searching Etsy for creative art prints for my current bedroom renovation, and following some wonderfully inspiring blogs. Do you know what all these have in common? 

Paper!

I have always loved sending (and receiving, obvi) snail mail. And I've already talked about my affinity for paper planners. I feel like now more than ever, there are some amazing options in the paper goods department. 

So this leads me to the subject of this post: Have you heard about OliveBox yet? It's a monthly subscription service (similar to the way popular box) that is specifically tailored to paper lovers. 

Who likes paper? Meeeee. It's a tiny baby of a company that just launched September 17th, but looking at their October box, I'm thinking it's going to be around for the long run. 

olivebox october edition

*Images can be found on OliveBox website. This is not a sponsored post.

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