New Year's Eve!

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!

You've Got Nail 94 // December Scratch Box

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

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?

Cookie Decorating with Little Goat Diner

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!

At the Ballet

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?

FabFitFun Winter Box

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!

Weekend Makeup

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

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!

Spot On

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!

Fall Beauty Faves

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.