In 2011

2011 started off with a new addition to my life — Kitty. Early in the year, Geoff and I adopted a five month old kitten from a nearby shelter, causing my heart to be filled with an indescribable amount of love for this little furry creature.


I started Mini Penny Blog in March, kicking things off with my first DIY tutorial — our custom bicycle store.


At the same time, I also launched the Mini Penny Shop on Etsy. The blog and shop have been my favorite adventure this year!


Shortly after opening Mini Penny Shop, I started my Quaint by Number project. It was great to see my idea of custom paint by number kits materialize! Speaking of which, I have a bunch of new kits to list...!


I completed a 30-Day Fashion Challenge.


I started posting my daily outfits and actually had over 120 days of consecutively posting my outfit every day. The only time I started missing days was when Geoffrey was out of town on business and I took a road trip to Chicago! I definitely miss out daily outfit post adventures!


I made friends with a Stegosaurus.


It was a great summer with pool time and sunshine!



We checked out the Olentangy Indian Caverns.



Somehow we also survived a canoe trip...



Of course it wouldn't be summer without grabbing a blanket and settling into Columbus's annual community festival.




My brother, sis in law, and nephew came to visit from San Diego, so we went and made friends with all of the animals at the zoo.


We caught fireworks from the baseball stadium on the Fourth of July.



Saw lots of good live music, including three of my favorite current bands — YACHT, STRFKR, and Chromeo.


I was honored to be selected as a featured member for StyledOn in July.


The world lost a great musician and one of my most admired fashion icons — leaving me to realize to never take my talents for granted.


I got fringe for the first time since elementary school!


The Ohio State Fair provided some colored entertainment this year.


Mini Penny was selected as a top blogger on MTV Style!



Geoff and I took a road trip to Pennsylvania for his family reunion and took the time to visit Fallingwater.


Stanley came to visit from Santa Monica!


In September I took an extremely bumpy solo road trip to Chicago.


But finally met my Tumblr friend, Daina, in real life.


I learned the true power of social media.


Geoff and I hit up my hometown for the Pumpkin Show.


And we had a totally excellent Halloween.


I took a huge step in my life and moved to Chicago.


And immediately got back on my bicycle and felt at home.


Mom came to visit me for Thanksgiving and we had a great time!


And Geoff came up for my birthday!


Finally, it was absolutely wonderful to be included in ModCloth's Spread the Cheer Event!

2011 Favorites?
Film: Midnight in Paris
Book: Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?
Album: Reptilians by STARFUCKER

So needless to say, 2011 was amazing. I met amazing people (both in person and through this awesome blogging community) and plan to make 2012 even better!

Shop My Closet + New Shop Listings

80s A'Nue Ligne Sheer Blouse Size S, $30


Floral Print Sleeveless Blouse Size S, $25


50s-60s Peach Silky Dress Size M-L, $26

Okay, so only a few new items were added, but I did a huge round of markdowns yesterday! There are pieces as low as $4.99, so definitely check out the shop. Those of you who follow me on Instagram may have noticed the Frankenjackets I've been making. Those should be hitting the shop tomorrow night for anyone who is interested! Aside from that, I have a few SHOP MY CLOSET items. Some were left over from the moving sale and others are just pieces I have pulled from my closet recently. Please email me if you're interested in any of them!


Gap Pleated Skirt Size 4. Asking $8 + Shipping


Sparkle & Fade Poncho Size S-M. Originally sold at Urban Outfitters for $58. Asking $15 OBO + shipping. The original buyer for this item fell through, so it is available again!


Urban Outfitters Cotton Maxi Dress Size S. White with navy stripes. Originally sold for around $50-$60. Asking $8 + shipping.


Express Sleeveless Blouse Size L, Asking $5 + shipping.


Leopard Print Shirt Dress Size 6, Asking $5 + shipping.


Kimchi Blue Ruffle Tank Size M. Originally sold at Urban Outfitters for $32. Asking $5 + shipping.


Reformed Floral Skirt Size 2. Originally sold at Urban Outfitters for $68. Made from deadstock silky fabric with a metal zipper in the back and pockets. Asking $5 + shipping.

Lots of goodies! Like I said, there should be some new and fun jackets in the shop tomorrow, so stay tuned...

Post-Holidaze Sale!

Merry Xmas, Minis! I'm getting my sale started a little early — meaning now! Everything in my shop is 25% off when you use the code HOLIDAZE at checkout. Shop now!

What did you lovelies get for the holidays?



My favorite gift is this amazing stand that Geoff built me. He made it out of conduit and reclaimed barn wood from his parents' house. It has so much beautiful texture and the faintest mint paint in spots. I'm so in love with it! Currently I'm still trying to get my cable management under way, but I'm pumped about how much better than this looks compared to my previous solution. Thank you Geoff!


While I didn't get terribly festive with my outfits, I did play up my nails a bit. This it the OPI Muppet Collection in Fresh Frog of Bel-Air layered over  black polish. Tish got me this glittery formula for my birthday and it is uh-may-zing! Eventually I used a nail art pen and drew some lovely designs over the glitter for a fun statement nail!


I switched it up on Xmas eve and did square tips with gold glitter and red glitter. This may be one of my favorites so far!


Michael gifted me this hilariously cute vinyl toy that looks like a balloon animal cat!



A care package from my parents included a beautiful blanket, some clothes I picked out earlier in the season, and candy buckeyes! Delish!



And what would the holidays be without yummy treats?


And of course, my brother and sister-in-law got me a really cool book about the history of cameras along with an amazing tote!


It was amazing having Geoff up for a few days, but since he had to leave early this morning, I've been enjoying some holiday movies, cleaning, and relaxing. How did you spend your day? Do you have more festivities to celebrate?

Also, everyone give Lena from Moldova a big congrats — she won the Kate Sutton planner and should be getting it in the post soon!