FabFitFun Spring Box

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.

DOWNLOADS // ISOLATION AGENDA

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.

Arriving in Mexico City

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.

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.