MINI PENNY

Happy (Belated) Valentine's Day!

2021-02-16T15:49:00.000-06:00

I'm two days late, but I'm here anyway hoping y'all had a nice Valentine's Day! We managed to get out of the city for the weekend — another short drive to an AirBNB. It's hard to believe that we were traveling in Mexico City just a year ago. Since we take COVID so seriously, it's been very disheartening not being able to do any air travel. Booking these short, contactless stays have really been a breath of fresh air for us!

I picked up this sweater from Unique Vintage and I'm hoping I stay in this loving mindset to mix this piece into my wardrobe year round. It's quite thick and comfy – and it goes without saying that I love a comfy sweater.

We love AirBNBs that welcome our pup. She does such a great job in the car and really loves the little adventures. Her main objectives are to sniff around and test how snuggly a house can feel. She certainly approved of this one!

Heart cardigan, Unique Vintage [ similar ]
White tank, American Apparel [ similar ]
NastyGal Pink Vinyl Skirt, Secondhand [ similar ]
Red platforms, Urban Outfitters [ similar | similar ]

Light Pink lingerie set, Amazon

Giddy Up

2020-11-16T12:33:00.002-06:00

Last week we had ourselves a nice lakeside cabin getaway. We haven't left the city at all since our Mexico City trip back in February, so this felt like a much needed break from being constantly surrounded by people. Most of the time was spent in loungewear, aside from a few small treks to take Opal to an empty park or on a wooded trail (of which she was not a fan!).

It's hard to believe that we've been pretty much isolated for eight months, and I'm wishing that this will come to an end soon. We haven't dined at a restaurant or seen our friends this whole time. If you're still practicing social distancing, know you're not alone! It's easy to feel gaslit by everything being declared "open." I'm really looking forward to being able to do all of our favorite things again — like air travel or concerts. But in the meantime we're staying safe and doing our part!

With COVID cases on the rise, it looks as though we're not going to be visiting family this year for the holidays. This year feels like it has been such a drag and I know it has weighed on a lot of peoples' mental health. I'm hoping you all are able to take the time to celebrate in your own ways, whether it be over Zoom or with your household.

Anyway, I suppose this outfit is unintentionally almost all Madewell. I didn't plan it that way, I guess packing for the trip just got the best of me. ;)

Windowpane Elmcourt Coat, Madewell
Huston Pull-on Pants in Woodcut Flowers, Madewell
Linen Blend Hilltop Shirt, Madewell
Fest Aviator Sunglasses, Madewell
Carina Sneaker, Puma

Happy Halloween!

2020-10-31T15:15:00.003-05:00

Even though we didn't make any costumes this year, you couldn't shake the Halloween spirit from me! Halloween is my favorite, so it has been a bummer to not get in costume. But today we got some pumpkin milkshakes and ate some candy and just had Halloween in our own way.

How did you celebrate this year?

Retrolicious Scaredy Cat Top, Unique Vintage

Pants, boutique [ similar ]

Sneakers, Puma

Happy Place

2020-10-29T10:36:00.002-05:00

Earlier this month, we got a car! It's been pretty exciting to get out of the apartment and out of the city a little. Since our apartment doesn't have a yard or outdoor space, we've felt pretty confined to home for most of 2020. We still aren't restauranting or any semblance of being back to "normal," so getting away from the crowded city life has been a big perk this month.

Per usual, autumn is my favorite time of year! We made it to the Chicago Botanic Gardens just in time to see beautiful flowers blooming. We were pleasantly surprised by how few people were there, which made us feel a lot more comfortable. Of course we had our masks on the whole time — except to take some photos!

I feel like I've been living in comfy clothes lately. At home, I'm in sweats and at work I wear scrubs. So now that we're finally able to go out, I get really excited about getting dressed!

Hope you've all had a pleasant October. ♡

Striped Jeans, Madewell [ similar | similar ]

Olive sweater, Madewell [ similar | similar | similar ]

Bag, vintage Coach [ similar | similar ]

Carina Sneakers, Puma

Necklace, c/o Ettika

Working on my Quads

2020-08-12T09:46:00.002-05:00

The past 24 hours have just been... something. Hope all of my midwestern followers are doing okay! On Monday afternoon Chicago and other nearby states were hit with a major storm. I was without power for 28 hours (it just came back late last night! We had the windows open and could hear the block cheering!), and as anyone who has been to Chicago in the summertime knows that means you're in for a sticky, hot, and uncomfortable time. We were able to step out and walk to my tattoo studio to charge up and enjoy a little AC (Opal is an air conditioning dog), and thankfully our only loss was a fridge full of just-purchased-that-morning food. Frustrating and wasteful, but it could have been much worse.

I often pass this colorful shop on my way around the neighborhood and have always really wanted to shoot here. I wouldn't call this much of a shoot — it was bright, hot, and we were dealing with all of the goings-ons. But a quick snap in this cute pastel dress with Opal looking forward to being in a cooled room feels pretty spot on for the week we've had so far.

Also, I'm doing a $10 sale on my Depop right now. Trying to clear some things out, as I'm hoping to have a bigger Shop My Closet sale happening soon!

Stay well, everyone!

Colorblock Shirt Dress, c/o Romwe
Disruptor II sneakers, Fila [ similar ]

Peach sunglasses [ similar ]

Pastel pink mask, Chuu

Pink fur scrunchie

Pastel Stripes

2020-08-03T13:37:00.002-05:00

Back again with more color! I feel like I've been very deliberate with my purchases during quarantine. I can't tell you how much I miss thrift stores and boutiques. I haven't ordered much clothing, but when I have it's been for coveted items like this bag from Big Bud Press (and yes I got a jumpsuit! More on that later), my dream leopard romper, and this pastel striped dress from an old favorite hometown store, Tigertree.

We haven't been to H-Mart in at least four months. I mean, damn, we've barely left home in four months. Our only ventures outside are to walk the dog, get groceries, and make the occasional drop off at UPS. We had a package mistakenly delivered to my boyfriend's old address, so we swung by the West Loop to get it — and then took a nice long walk to our beloved H-Mart. It was good timing because we happened to just used the last of our mirin and haven't been able to find it at any of the grocery stores within walking distance of home. We picked up some of our favorite snacks, some fish cakes, and yogurt soju (my F A V O R I T E). It was a good day — despite the overall anxiety of being in close quarters with people, it was somewhat close to feeling "normal."

Speaking on those favorite stores I miss — Tigertree. I know I've mentioned them over the years (especially way way back when I lived in Columbus) and they're one of my must-stops every time I go home. Last Thanksgiving I stopped in and picked up the best fluffy beanie I've ever owned and an adorable Hocking Hills sticker, which lives on my 2020 planner as a nice reminder of where I grew up. I was gutted to find that they're closing their physical store in the Short North. Trips home just won't be the same! At least they are keeping their online store, but are closing out all of their clothing. Right now you can get 25% off all apparel with the code BYESTORE25. I bought this dress back when it was only 10% off and it's worth every penny (for reference, I'm 5'1" and about 115lbs and bought the XS). It's so light and airy, plus the colors are super fun. I managed to snag a pair of Levi's shorts I've been wanting for a while, too! They have so much cute stuff and they're really great folks, so swing by and pick up a few things before they're gone! ♥

You know, with everything that is going on in the United States, every day I think more and more about how I would like to leave. I'm so lucky that my social circle is full of aware, intelligent, and empathic people. But the overarching cultural attitude of exceptionalism and individualism is something I'm find more and more difficult to relate to. We would love to move to Mexico or Japan or Korea, but have really created of laundry lists of places we'd be open to relocating to — that is, if it were safe in terms of the virus and/or if those countries were willing to take Americans. Have you lived abroad or is it something you would ever consider? Where would you like to go?

It's just a thought I have and has probably contributed to me buying a lot less this year. With not knowing exactly what the near future is going to bring, I've found a lot of comfort in controlling what I'm allow into my space — both physically and mentally.

Everyday Tote Bag, Big Bud Press

Native Youth Moriz Dress, Tigertree (25% off with code BYESTORE25)

White Scarf, Vintage [ similar | similar ]

Pink Resin Earrings, c/o Ettika

Geometric Necklace, Madewell [ similar ]

Carina Sneaker, Puma

Coming Up Roses

2020-07-31T18:12:00.002-05:00

At some point during quarantine, I guess my closet became colorful. This is strange considering I rarely ever wear more than pajamas these days, but I suppose it's just my wishful thinking for future days when we can get back to traveling to all the bright spots in the world. Keep looking up, y'all.

High key obsessed with this Total Eclipse Gold Plated Lariat Necklace. I have so many Ettika pieces but this one takes the cake. The clasp is on the front and therefore very adjustable. I love it!

Floral print blouse, c/o Amazon

High Rise White Shorts, Gap [ similar | similar ]

Pink Heels, DSW [ similar | similar ]

Total Eclipse Gold Plated Lariat Necklace, c/o Ettika

Wear a Mask

2020-07-24T15:16:00.002-05:00

Gosh, I miss taking outfit photos. I miss outfits. I've now been isolating for over four months, and started thinking about how much I miss thrift stores, coffee shops, work, and even generally unpleasant things like the airport. I have managed to do very little shopping during the pandemic but have made a few small business buys that I feel very excited about! I always thought that in a pseudo apocalyptic situation, I'd go all black. But somehow, my closet has become... more colorful. I've been waiting for this boilersuit for months and it's as perfect as I had hoped!

I actually saw this romper on an episode of 90 Day Fiance. There is this delightful woman Erika from Australia who has the most bright and beautiful wardrobe — when I saw this leopard print piece I immediately started Googling it to try and find where I could get my own. It's from a small UK brand called Glitter Disco Child. I pre-ordered it back in May and it finally came in this past week! I love it so much and was excited to wear it on our first long evening walk. It's a great change from my typically daily pajamas (yes, I'm still in pajamas most days).

Masks are common sense. I have worn masks while traveling for years, so it doesn't feel out of the ordinary to pull them into my daily wardrobe, too. I have a few different styles, but I'm always looking for cute colors and patterns — so if you have any that you love, let me know!

Malibu Pink Short Boiler Suit, Glitter Disco Child

Flatform Universal Sandals, Teva

Pink Fabric Mask, Target

You've Got Nail 95 // Introducing Mini Penny Nail Stickers

2020-05-27T13:20:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone! Wow, I really thought I was going to be on top of Mini Penny during quarantine. But I'm 72 days into this and I've given you only two posts. How did I manage that? Where did the last couple of months go? I hope you are all able to stay home and healthy. This period has certainly taken its toll on me (emotionally, mentally, financially), but things are finally feeling like they are getting easier. I've been filling my days with Animal Crossing, 90 Day Fiance, and projects. I went the first month and a half with no nails — which, yes, is odd for me. I just figured why do my nails if no one is going to see them? But then after a while, I remembered that I love nails and I missed doing them. In a bid to find some new ways to do them, I busted out my Cricut machine and got to work. I have created a few different styles of nail art stickers, all of which are now available in my Etsy Shop! Click through to see the three new styles and how to use them.

Okay, for starters, let's bring 90 Day Fiance back up. Because I love that show, all of its spin offs, and all of its insanity. During the current season of Before the 90 Days, there is an amazing sunbeam of a person named Erika and she has such an amazing, bright, and fun closet. There is a scene where she is wearing a leopard print pink and purple romper from a brand called Glitter Disco Child. Needless to say, I'm obsessed with it. Should I buy the romper? Probably. The pre-order is sitting in my cart right now and I just hover over the Buy button like a crazy person. Anyway, long story short, I painted these leopard print nails pink and purple as an homage to that gorgeous romper.

But onto the stickers!

The most basic style is the chevron. This is your standard nail guide sticker — great for making negative spaces or angled tips. The angled tips are probably one of my go-to nail styles these days and the chevron stickers make everything uniform and easy! Buy them here

They're pretty straight forward to use — just peel one from the sheet and place it over your fully dry base color. It's very important for your polish to be completely dry before you place the nail sticker over it! Once you have the sticker guide placed, you can paint one side or both to get the desired effect. Let the polish dry, peel the stickers off, and you are left with a clean design.

My favorite part of the chevron stickers is that they actually come with 20 sticker guides — ten each of two different styles. There's a regular style (shown here) and a more dramatic deep v (as shown in the nails I'm wearing above.

Next up are my beloved Leopard Print nails. I'm always a sucker for leopard print and the possibilities with these are endless. You can cover the whole nail, partial nail, or do any color combination you want! The instructions are the same as the Chevron nails above, but can take a little more patience. Really make sure you press the sticker down firmly when you place it so that you avoid getting any outside of the stencil! I even make a TikTok showing how to use this exact style!

I made another set with these stickers that only cover half of the nail, laid over an ombre base. This style does cost a little more than the others but that's because it takes me much longer to make! I hope you love them as much as I do.

And finally, my star nails. This was actually the first design I tried to make with my Cricut. I had mild success but tweaked it just a little so that the sticker could lay smoother on the press-on. In the end, I am so happy with these little cuties! I made mine nude, rainbow, and matte for a total change of pace. Buy them here.

Which ones are your favorites and what designs do you want to see next? I can't wait to keep creating! Be sure to check out my full Etsy shop for Animal Crossing and Kpop stickers. I'm very thankful to everyone who has made orders already and love sending out all of these cute packages!

FabFitFun Spring Box

2020-03-24T15:44:00.001-05:00

It's here! The Spring FabFitFun box I've been looking forward to! I loved my partnership with them last quarter so much that I decided to sign up for myself. Check out all of the great items I got in my box and click through for a code for how you can get $10 off your first box.

Who else got the box this quarter?

My skin has been dry dry DRY this winter, so I was really happy that my box included a lot of moisturizing options. I swear that I have lotion or moisturizer in at least every room of my home! Here's what came in my latest subscription box:

DONNI RIBBED SWEATER COAT
I'm excited to get my first wearable FabFitFun item! When I had the option of selecting pieces for my box, this was pretty high on the list. When I got it, it's a little thinner than I expected, but will be perfect for once the spring temperatures raise a little. Quarantine bonus? It's comfortable and looks cute with leggings, so I can feel like I actually put clothes on instead of lounging around in my PJs (no shame there, though. I've spent a lot of the last 9 days in sweatpants!).

MURAD RAPID COLLAGEN INFUSION
I was THIS CLOSE to buying this at Sephora on Black Friday. I was really happy when it showed up in my box because, hey, it's expensive. This one item alone cost almost double of my FabFitFun quarterly subscription. I've dedicated this to be part of my daily self care routine. Lots of phone and Switch time means I'm looking down a lot, so I've been making sure to moisturize my neck each night! [ Shop ]

GRAVITY WEIGHTED SLEEP MASK
This was the item I was most excited about, and therefore most disappointed by. I'm not saying it's not a good product. It's just not a good product for me. I've never used a sleep mask, I'm a side sleeper, and I'm a heavy sleeper. I don't really need help falling asleep, but I just thought this would be cozy. I found myself ripping it off in the middle of the night each night. So, yeah. I gave it to my boyfriend to match his Gravity weighted blanket! [ Shop ]

JABONERIA MARIANELLA IMPERIAL JADE BODY OIL
My gut was like, "oh great, a messy moisturizing oil." Wrong. This has been saving the dry skin on my arms and legs. It smells great and absorbs quickly. I think a lot of the LUSH lotions have turned me away from oily moisturizers because they just sit on top of the skin. But this one is nice to use and not leave little Tobias-Funke-esque prints all over the house.

AG HAIR FAST FOOD LEAVE-ON CONDITIONER
I'm trying to look on the bright side of quarantine the best I can (I'm not a fluffy, sugar-coated person and hate inspirational quotes and all of that type of Live Laugh Love shit, so... positivity isn't exactly my strongest suit). But a bright side of not leaving my house for possibly a month or more is: no heat styling. I'm hoping that air drying and putting down the heat tools, in conjunction with this lovely conditioner, will help my hair look healthier. Once it came down to it, it was easy. Rub some of this stuff into damp hair and that's it! Tip: if you're like me and have bangs, clip 'em back and keep your hair pulled up in a scrunchy bun or big clip. This will help keep you from touching your face! It has been a challenge for me and this helps! [ Shop ]

THIS WORKS DEEP SLEEP BODY COCOON
Okay, the name of this sounds like a new age sleeping bag. I know. But it's lotion! I have another lotion. by this brand that I leave at my boyfriend's apartment that I love. This second product confirms for me that I really do enjoy this line. The Deep Sleep lotion smells amazing and I keep it at my bedside to get a little extra moisture (and those nice chamomile smells) right before I go to sleep. [ Shop ]

CHIC & TONIC SILICONE STRAWS
I mean, straws are straws right? I'm happy that these are available to help curb disposable plastic usage. I already have some portable straws that I like a little better, so these went in my gift bin and will go to someone at a later time. The colors are adorable and they come with a nice little carrying pod and cleaner brush. But what I don't like about them is that since they have no structure, they would be really hard to get through the plastic lid of an iced coffee without some real finagling. But the message is right -- limit your single use plastic!

WINKY LUX RAINBOW LIP BALM
I love Winky Lux. They just sent me a box of their new at Target stuff and I love them even more now. Getting this rainbow lip balm in my FabFitFun was a familiar delight. Their balms are great -- and that's coming from a balm fiend! [ Shop ]

GREEN GOO DRY SKIN SALVE
I added this on as a paid extra item! I have been eyeballing this stuff at target for my perpetually dry feet (ew, I know, sorry) and so far, so good. It's a solid salve consistency, smells good, and absorbs quickly. What I like about the texture is that it's hard to over-apply. It doesn't glob or go on thick like aquaphor. In general, I have an aversion to any product I have to dib my hands into (those little vaseline lip balms, LUSH lotion containers, Aquaphor tubs) but this one doesn't feel like they have the same cross-contamination blasphemy that those do. [ Shop ]

What were your favorite items in your box this quarter? Or are you just thinking of joining? To give you an idea of how much stuff comes in each box, my Winter box had ~$250 worth of product, but this one had $380. Crazy, right? The box is normally $49.99 but you can get your first one for $39.99. Use this link to get $10 off your first FabFitFun box. And if you're not ready to commit to the full box, there are smaller Edits you can shop as well. Have fun and treat yourself!

DOWNLOADS // ISOLATION AGENDA

2020-03-19T15:21:00.001-05:00

I'm not even sure how to start a blog post about this. Right now is an uncertain, scary, and anxious time for me and many people all over the world. This past weekend I made the very hard decision to temporarily close my tattoo shop and practice Social Distancing. I know more people out of work right now than those who are working. Many of us are at home and not sure for how long. I worked from home for most of 2014 and I gotta say -- I half liked it and half hated it. Now that we're in a scenario where staying home is the best way to combat the spread of COVID-19, I'm trying to remind myself of ways to stay organized and on-track. I've created this free printable sheet to help you too! Click through for the Dropbox download link and some tips for how you can use it.

I'm a big list maker. I love lists. By making this, it helps me know what I'm doing each day, how to meal plan (and thaw frozen food for the next day's meal), and take moments for myself. When I worked from home, separating "work time" from "me time" was my biggest hurdle, and this helps. I hope it helps you too!

Some ways that you can fill in your calendar:

♡ Work tasks: Make sure you're limiting your work time to your regular schedule. Create those boundaries for your own sanity! Remember to take your regular breaks for food and ESPECIALLY to get up, stretch out, move positions, and take a breather.
♡ Self care: like sheet masks, meditation, yoga, or taking a walk outside (isolated!)
♡ Meal planning: What's your dinner plan for each night? This can prepare you for how to best use your food for the coming weeks and limit your grocery store runs.
♡ Social time: While I discourage socializing, technology helps make this much easier. I've been dedicating time to text friends, call family, do Netflix Parties (Scener works too!), and draw with my nieces and nephews. There are some great educators doing Facebook Live feeds (Check out Harptoons every day at 2pm EST) to show kids how to draw simple and fun characters. I've been doing it with family members and it has been a great way to break up my day and see them be creative.
♡ Learn: Use this time to learn something new! There are so many useful YouTube videos on every topic you could think of -- macrame, friendship bracelets, languages, Procreate, and more! I personally have signed up for some continue microblading video education. Many educational institutions are offering free access to some of their classes right now as well.
♡ Entertain yourself: Rent a movie, pick up that audiobook, learn that TikTok dance. There is no shame in dedicating a whole day to binging 90 Day Fiance if you want. We all deserve a break from this hellscape every once in a while.
♡ Spring Cleaning: Now's a great time to clear your space and feel good about your home. You're probably going to be here for a little bit. I'll soon be posting a cleaning checklist for how I break things down room by room!
♡ Get Creative: Download some coloring sheets, draw, paint, make music, or anything in between. Taking a break from the screens feels nice. Who cares if you "can't draw"? Channel your feelings into something!

These are uncharted waters for us and during this time, I want to remain respectful with my content. Are there certain things you want to see? Are blogs and Instagram your escapism and you look forward to seeing outfits and travel photos? I have loads of photos to share from our Mexico trip and I hope to sprinkle them between posts about recommendations, tips, local business support, and more. Tell me what you're looking for!

Download my Isolation Agenda here. It's free to use of course, I just ask that you please not re-distribute it as your own. The PDF is already sized for you to print at home!

Be kind to one another. We're all in this together. Stay home as much as you can and please think about the most vulnerable persons and businesses in your communities. The sooner we can all band together, the sooner we can get through this storm.

Sending you all lots of love!

Arriving in Mexico City

2020-03-12T01:41:00.000-05:00

It's been months since I've posted here. Part of me isn't sure what happened with Mini Penny in 2020, but another part of me knows that I needed a little bit of a break. Between world news, a completely full work schedule, and Chicago winters, I took a little breather. Last month over Valentine's Day, Yoshi and I took a week trip to Mexico City. We've had it planned since August and it really came at the perfect time for us both. Click through for our first day adventures in Ciudad de Mexico.

We always have to start with coffee. Dosis was recommended by our AirBNB hosts and it did not disappoint. It was a beautiful space and (best of all) we got to see owners bring their dogs in and out as they grabbed their morning coffee.

Most of our Must-See places on our lists revolved around food. I had to stop by this enormous bakery, Pasteleria Ideal. We picked up a few small goodies — it was overwhelming but delightful. We walked around the center of the city and wanted to see the cathedrals and government buildings during our first day.

I had seen so many photos of this beautiful building but wasn't expecting to just walk upon it. We were actually turning a corner on our way to a Kpop store (which was actually a bunch of booths in a super cramped and hot market — not what I expected, but fascinating nonetheless!) and bam, there it was.

Knowing how big Mexico City is, we split our week up into three different AirBNBs in different neighborhoods. Our first spot was dubbed The Pink Panther and I'll give you one guess why I wanted to stay here. It was beautiful, minimal, and pink. It was perfect for our first couple of days and give me some serious home inspiration in the process.

I found so much joy in all of the plant varieties around the city.

Walking the grounds of Palacio Nacional, we saw a lot of beautiful art, history and plants.

Naturally I gravitated towards the color markets and even walked by (and subsequently down) Mexico City's Chinatown. This city is filled with so much brightness!

Have you been to Mexico City? If you're planning a trip, check out my Liist Recommendations!

Solid Wide Leg Jumpsuit, Shein [ similar | similar ]
Carina sneakers, Puma
Fest Aviators, Madewell
Sunglasses Chain, Shein

New Year's Eve!

2019-12-31T11:07:00.001-06:00

Only one more day of the year (and decade)! It's so wild looking back on what Mini Penny has meant to me over the past 10 years — most of the time I can't believe I'm still doing this and that people are still watching! There's plenty of time for recaps in the next couple of weeks though, so in the meantime let's get dressed up and enjoy the night!

These shoes were a gift from — you guessed it — ShoeDazzle! It's been fun being a #ShoeDazzlePartner for the past few months. If you're ready to start the new year with some new shoes, head over to their website. You can become a VIP and get your first pair of boots for as low as $10! Start the new year on the right foot! ♥

What are your big plans for the evening? Are you a going-out type of person or a stay-inside-under-a-warm-blanket type?

Dotted Sheer Dress, Free People [ similar | similar ]
Red Boots, c/o ShoeDazzle [ similar ]
Pom Pom Earrings, DIY [ similar ]

You've Got Nail 94 // December Scratch Box

2019-12-27T23:49:00.000-06:00

It's been an entire year since I've made a You've Got Nail post. How is that even possible? I swear that 2019 went by so quickly — and as I'm seeing other bloggers' Best-Of-The-Year roundups, I'm also seeing lots of Best-Of-The-Decade. Mini Penny Blog launched in early 2011 (pre-Instagram!) and it's wild to observe how much has changes since then. Should I post my own Best-Of-The-Decade? I have definitely slowed down on long-form blogging and I have lots of thoughts and feelings on that, but I'm missing this format more and more. For example: nails. They get lost in the endless Instagram stories, but I enjoy these little creations. These snowflake nail wraps are by the always-wonderful Scratch. Did you hear their Monthly Mani Kit is going up in 2020? If you subscribe before the new year, you'll get locked in at the $10 price. Go get yours!

Christkindlmarket

2019-12-20T01:50:00.001-06:00

Even though this season has felt busy busy busy, I did get a chance to head downtown for Christkindlmarket! I managed to completely miss it last year. The trick is to go on a weekday during "work hours" — it's much less of a claustrophobic headache! Anyway, it finally feels like our holiday events are finally winding down just before the big week. We're looking forward to relaxing the weeding in preparation for family time! How are you getting ready for the holiday?

Pom Beanie, TigerTree [ similar ]
Coat, Zara [ similar ]
Blanket Scarf, DSW
High Rise Button Through Skinny Jeans, Madewell
The Frances Loafer, Madewell

Cookie Decorating with Little Goat Diner

2019-12-16T13:49:00.002-06:00

Last night we were invited to attend a Cookie Decorating Class with Little Goat Diner and Goat Group Catering! I was really excited for the opportunity to learn some tricks alongside Little Goat Pastry Chef Faith Taheny (and get an insight on how my boyfriend would do if he were on the show Nailed It!). Click through for photos of the evening, plus all of the outfit details and where you can get these fun glittery pants!

We weren’t really sure what to expect in terms of class size — there were a lot of people but it was fun being able to walk around and see what others were coming up with. I saw hockey jerseys, snow globes, snowmen, and one of the guys at my table had even turned his sweater cookie upside down and created a Baby Yoda!

Before we started our own decorating, we got a cookie dough tutorial from Faith Taheny herself to get the perfect base for our designs. We were able to watch Bianca as she decorated cookie after cookie with cute penguin and abominable snowman characters!

When we returned to our seats, we had everything we needed — perfectly cut and baked cookies, our royal icing, some sprinkles, and a delicious spiced hot cider. I couldn’t wait to get started. Can you see some of Yoshi’s cookies beside mine? I think he did pretty well for a first-timer!

I really loved all of my cookies, but by the end of the class, these were my three favorites. I’ve been partial to the “JOY” holiday decor this year, because it fits our little celebration so well: Jess, Opal, and Yoshi!

It was really wonderful learning from the pros. Now I feel so ready to decorate more treats for the holidays.

Okay, but the glitter pants. I have gotten so many questions about these on my Instagram! Even walking down the street last night, I was stopped by a few people for compliments. They’re so fun! And affordable. Wanna know the secret? They’re from ShoeDazzle! I know, right?! I didn’t realize they had clothes until a few months ago when I became a #ShoeDazzlePartner. I’ve been wanting to try them out, and now I’m obsessed with these pants! PANTSDAZZLE!

Which cookie is your favorite?

What foods and deserts are you using to celebrate the holiday this year? Do you give treats as gifts? I’m planning on doing a tree cake for the boyfriend’s family dinner this year, so I’d better get to planning! ♥

Happy baking!

White Sweater, Kohl’s
High Waist Glitter Paperbag Trousers, c/o ShoeDazzle
Red Heels, Forever 21 [ similar ]
Geo Squared Hoop Earrings, c/o Ettika

At the Ballet

2019-12-15T12:51:00.002-06:00

It's time for holiday traditions! When I was little, my family had a tradition of seeing The Nutcracker ballet in Columbus. Well, it's been years since I've seen it, so it was a treat to restart that tradition this year in Chicago! I love any excuse to get a little dressed up and head out. What are some of your favorite holiday activities?

WhoWhatWear Shirred Midi Dress, Target
Belt, Gucci
Shoes, Forever21 [ similar ]
Velvet Knotted Headband, Forever21 [ similar ]
Squared Off Gold Hoops, c/o Ettika

FabFitFun Winter Box

2019-11-22T01:11:00.001-06:00

I'm so pumped to finally be a #FabFitFunPartner! I've been so curious to try this box after hearing so many people rave about it — and it does not disappoint! Have you ever wondered what comes in a box? Click through for the details, as well as a discount code for you to get $10 off your first box, and see what delicious cookies I made after finding the best recipe in the FabFitFun Magazine!

So what is FabFitFun?

FabFitFun is a curated quarterly subscription box that contains beauty, fashion, tech, home, and more! Each box has a value of $200+, but can be yours for only $49.99 per box! I've been not-so-secretly stalking some of these boxes as they come out and have always wanted one. And I love it! Now you can get your first box for $10 off when you use the code JESSIE10 at check out. It makes a wonderful gift for yourself or loved ones!

What's in the box? I couldn't wait to open mine. There are so many goodies in here, but by far my favorites are the Beauty Bakerie Proof Is In The Puddin' eyeshadow palette and Drybar Prep Rally spray. I've been using the eyeshadow palette daily — which means I've really been enjoying the Vera Mona Color Switch just as much!

And these Rodial Glow Drops are great for getting a nice glowy look with minimal effort! If you'd like to see a look I did with the beauty product in my box, head over to my Instagram today and view my stories for a short video of this look.

And in my box there was something that I enjoyed far more than I expected — a magazine. Yeah, yeah, it's been ages since I thumbed through a magazine. But the FabFitFun Magazine is a delight, full of product information, discount codes, uplifting articles, and recipes. Speaking of recipes...

In this issue there is a recipe for Ube Crinkle Cookies. I'm a sucker for ube, so I ran over to HMart and picked up some halaya and got to baking!

These cookies are amazing. My boyfriend and I can't get enough! They have the perfect subtle ube flavor with the consistency of a macaron cookie. I'll definitely be making these more often!

Have you tried FabFitFun? I'm already looking forward to the next box! You can get yours at www.fabfitfun.com and don't forget — use the code JESSIE10 to get $10 off your first box.

-----

Mini Penny Blog is proud to be a #FabFitFunPartner. The FabFitFun Winter Box was a gift from the brand. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting brands that support Mini Penny Blog!

Weekend Makeup

2019-11-09T09:00:00.000-06:00

I'm feeling bright oranges lately. Since I started working for myself, I rarely do a "full face" anymore unless it's for a shoot. Today I decided to do it just for fun! I bought the new Birds of Paradise palette by Colourpop and think it's one of my recent favorites.

Snake Rattle and Roll

2019-11-08T09:00:00.000-06:00

Jewel tones are here! I picked up this beautiful skirt at Target last week and couldn't wait to pair it with my new ShoeDazzle booties! As a #ShoeDazzlePartner, I've been really excited for their fall Boot Shop and these may be my favorite so far!

I've been on the hunt for a pair of snakeskin booties. These are the perfect combination of high heel and neutral pattern. When you become a ShoeDazzle VIP, you can get your first pair for as low as $39.95. They have a vast collection of new fall boots for the season, so don't miss 'em!

Another love of mine is this sweater. It's an old UNIF sweater from many years ago that I can't find anywhere anymore. I'm kicking myself for not buying it in other colors. Do you have a favorite piece of clothing or makeup that you wish you had purchased backups of?

I hope everyone is excited for the weekend and has exciting plans!

Brooke Block Heel Bootie, c/o ShoeDazzle
High Rise Slit Midi Skirt, Target
Chunky Sweater, UNIF [ similar | similar ]
Fest Aviators, Madewell
Layered Necklace, c/o Ettika

Spot On

2019-11-07T23:36:00.001-06:00

I'm so picky with my flats, but when I find the perfect ones, it's like heaven. I recently picked these out from ShoeDazzle and I love them. Pair them with simple jeans and a cozy sweater, and you're ready for fall!

Who's traveling for the holidays? I'm going home to Ohio (and taking a few microblading appointments while I'm in Columbus) to stay with the parents. I can't wait to get out of the city for a week! Where are you headed?

Michelle Pearl Embellished Flat, c/o ShoeDazzle
Leopard Sweater, c/o Amazon
High Rise Skinnies, Madewell
White tank, American Apparel [ similar ]
Layered Necklace, c/o Ettika
Red Beanie, Madewell
Fest Aviators, Madewell

Fall Beauty Faves

2019-11-01T13:43:00.002-05:00

I don't know about y'all, but fall for me means that I wear slightly more makeup than I do in the summer. Thanks to sweaty, humid Chicago months, I tend to skip the full face and just opt for a mascara and BB cream. But here we are, it's November already, and I have some new fall beauty favorites coming your way.

R I M M E L L O N D O N
A couple of things here — The Maxi Blush in Third Base is my new every day blush. Straight up, I'd say it's a pretty close dupe to NARS Orgasm blush. I was never really a "blush person" until recently, and this one totally changed me! Secondly, Rimmel sends me a lot of their makeup, including Wonder Swipe liners, so I have them in many different colors at this point. They're not what I'd consider an all-day wear, but they're perfect for lining the lash line for a little oomph! I normally save them for my work days when I don't want to commit to my black cat eye. This last round, they send me a deep green ("Out Out") with a slight sparkle and a white liner ("Yasss") that almost has an opalescence to it! Both are lovely and are easy to use.

P I X I
Let me tell you about this new Chloe Morello Lip Icing in BonBon. I haven't been into pink sparkly lip glosses in a LONG time. But, something deep down just loves this ultra-femme hot pink with pink sparkles. Pixi sends me product often (and I love their skincare!), but this is probably one of my favorite lip glosses from them to date.

M I L K
I have a million tubes of mascara. I bought the Milk Makeup KUSH Waterproof Mascara at Sephora because so many of my friends had been raving about the non-waterproof version. I have long lashes to begin with, but these just make them SO MUCH MORE. As a microblading artist, I spend my work day hovering over clients and looking down. Milk Mascara is one of the few that I've tried that doesn't transfer to my under-eye area!

C O Z Z E T T E
For years I have been raving about the Milani Infinite Liquid Liner. It's my number 1 eyeliner. When I received this Cozzette Vinylise Eyeliner in a gift bag while attending The Makeup Show in Chicago, I almost threw it in the donate pile. I typically hate felt tip pens and have not had good luck with them on my hooded eyelids. I'm so happy I gave this one a try, because it's definitely giving my liquid liner a run for it's money. If you're looking for an alternative to problematic-af KVD tattoo liner, scoop this one up. In my opinion, it's far superior anyway!

E N T I T Y
I love this nail polish brand! They've sent me so many colors, and perhaps it's this season has been my favorite. Entity in Layered in Luxury is a deep hunter green that screams cabin and pine trees. Per usual, it has great coverage and shine. I think I may be so partial to dark green nails lately because they look so good with my new iPhone. I never thought I'd be a green person!

P A C I F I C A
If you've been watching my Instagram lately, you probably saw that a couple weeks ago, I was invited to The Makeup Show in Chicago by Pacifica. I love their brand so I was really happy to do this! I had my makeup done and was treated to an amazing gift bag. My favorite parts? The serums (my goodness do I need to be more diligent about my serums!) and the eyeshadow. I ended up with Water Bounce Booster Serum, Glow Baby Booster Serum, Dream Shot Booster Serum, and Pore Warrior Booster Serum, which I have been trying to use in combination on most days before I start applying my makeup. With the dry weather, my dry apartment, my dry work environment, I've gotta say — I'm glowing. To top it off, the Cosmic Reflect Hemp Infused Eyeshadow Palette is so beautiful and pigmented. I can't believe it's under $20! Anyone who knows me will tell you that I'm a neutral eyeshadow person on most days — but this palette has me feeling otherwise. Bonus? Their Balancing Hemp Makeup Removing wipes leave my skin feeling so much happier than my usual baby-wipe-and-micellar combo.

P R O S E
I've posted about Prose in the past and was happy when they reached out to me again to try their newest product launch! I love the customization of their line, so when I heard that the new release was going to be dry shampoo, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. I think a lot of us live and die by our dry shampoo and I'm no different. My favorite part of this actually started out as being my least favorite part. It's a little bit of a learning curve, but this is not an aerosol can like we're used to. The pump puffs out powder dry shampoo for you to work into your hair, so be careful not to pump too hard! Otherwise, like me, you'll look like you had a Studio 54 party in your bathroom. With some practice, I was able to be more deliberate with it. Now I can use my dry shampoo to refresh my look and/or add volume with out that gross build-up feel. Take the quiz and try it out for yourself!

D A V I N E S
I actually received this Solu Sea Salt Scrub as a gift in the summer and went back and forth on it. Some days I loved it and some days I hated it. How does it make my hair feel? Great. But thought it was contributing to some dry scalp issues I already have. What solved my problem and made this a more likable product for me was drastically cutting back how often I use it. I went from once a week to one a month and now I can enjoy that ultra-clean hair feeling without overworking my scalp. A little can go a long way — just make sure the product is warmed up in your hands, otherwise it's a chore to lather and spread.

What have been your recent beauty favorites? Tell me in the comments!

-----

Rimmel London, Pixi by Petra, Cozzette, Pacifica, Entity, Davines, and Prose are all gifts courtesy of the brands and PR agencies. Other items have been purchased at my own accord. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting brands that support Mini Penny Blog!

Happy Halloween

2019-10-31T09:00:00.000-05:00

It's finally here! My favorite holiday! This year I really slacked on Halloween — I normally end up with 2-3 costumes for the season. This year, things were so busy after our travels and getting back to work that I just simply did not make enough time. I was, however, able to whip up a last minute Janet look this weekend after a visit to the thrift store. I've recently been re-watching The Good Place and she's totally my favorite character! My boyfriend has his Jianyu/Jason costume ready to go and we'll be putting Janet's unlimited knowledge to good use tonight at trivia! What are you for Halloween this year?

Pumpkin Spiced

2019-10-26T09:00:00.000-05:00

Everyone likes to make fun of pumpkin spice being "basic," but you know what? I love pumpkin spice! I actually great up in a very small town that celebrated mid-October by shutting down the town and hosting the Circleville Pumpkin Show. So, yeah — I have a soft spot for all of that orange, cinnamon, tasty goodness. What's your favorite fall flavor?

White button up, H&M
Pants, Zara [ similar ]
Sandals, Stuart Weitzman
Hair clip, Amazon
Layered Necklace, c/o Ettika

Bucket List

2019-10-25T09:00:00.000-05:00

I often hear people talking about bucket lists. And honestly, I've never really thought of mine! Do you? My big things were always: I want to get a dog (check!), I want to tattoo (check!), I want to move to California, and travel more. Japan and Korea are at the very top of my must-visit list. What about you? What are you big goals, short term and long term?

What was your favorite accessory or trend this year? I think mine is the bucket hat! I've picked up a few this summer (and even a corduroy version to wear into fall!). Tell me your favorite in comments!

Bucket Hat, Amazon
Leopard Shirt, Forever 21 [ similar ]
Ezy Ankle Length Pants, Uniqlo
Court Sneaker, Adidas
Single Strap Backpack, Uniqlo