Chicago Friendcation

Oh, where to start? Last week, my good friend Kelley took a Megabus up from Columbus to meet me in Chicago. I haven't seen her in over six months, so we were both pretty stoked to hang out in my old neighborhood. It was lots of fun and partying and good food and good people. I'm so super excited to move back to Chicago that I can barely stand it!

Review // Ion Color Brilliance Brights Hair Color

I've only recently stumbled upon Ion Color Brilliance Brights. For the most part, I'd say they're a good alternative to other hair colors I've used and have a wide range of semi-permanent colors.

You've Got Nail // 5

I just wanted something really simple and clean over my last mani. I feel like this was a good compromise! Here's what I used:

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in 04 Petal Pusher
Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in 260 Sonic Boom
Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Polish in 20 Blue-ming Fast

Obsessed // Crop Tops

I love crop tops. It probably goes somewhat hand-in-hand with my love for high-waited bottom, but hey. It could also have something to do with the fact that my tween/teen years were spent in the 90s/early 2000s. Either way, I'm super stoked on the crop top trend.

Silver Screen Style // Wet Hot American Summer

This movie will perpetually remind me of college. I had a roommate who loved this movie and introduced me to it — and it's brilliant. There's a charmingly ironic retro charm that reminds me of my childhood summer camp days. I mean, it was like my childhood summer camp if you had added drugs, Paul Rudd, and satellites that are about to crash into the earth.

Review // West Third Brand

I've been a fan of West Third Brand for quite some time. Way back when I lived in Chicago, I had found these scents first at Rudy's Roundup and later at Una Mae's.

Home Preview // Closet

So. I have an entire bedroom as a closet. The thing with a lot of South Philly houses is that a lot don't have very big closets or even closets at all. My house was built in 1912 and has none. But, I solved this by turning my middle bedroom into a giant walk-in.

American Roadside

Well, I'm almost all set on my little summer vacation — it's not a road trip with quirky attractions, but a vacation nonetheless. I've always been drawn to the kitsch of American roadsides, so while I'm on a plane Wednesday morning, I'll be daydreaming about all of these little spots. Check them out after the jump.

Weekstagram // July 21

This has easily been one of the best weeks for a long, long time.

• These beauties. Seriously. From Shoedazzle.
• I figured out how to fishtail braid and that I actually like hats.
• My last hoorah at the URBN Summer Party with my faves.
• And Ian appointed me as his life coach. Deal.

Follow Mini Penny on Instagram @chaplinnn

Open Doors

"My optimism wears heavy boots and is loud." - Henry Rollins

I write this with shaking hands. I don't shake out of fear nor sadness, but out of pure and total excitement. Excitement for adventure and the unknown. Excitement to finally have myself back.

Obsessed // Blue Mason Jars

Ah, I love mason jars in general. But, if there's anything that people know about me, it's that I can't really resist that blueish-green tint. Enter the vintage-style blue mason jars.

I was at target a few weeks back and saw these. I bought them to use as drinking glasses (for which they're fantastic, by the way), but starting Pinteresting all sorts of mason jar inspired uses that could make my home a little brighter.

Silver Screen Style // Vacation

Remember life when we were innocent and didn't know that Chevy Chase is a turd? Yeah, those were the good days. Let's be real, though. Beverly D'Angelo is the true star.

Vaca Prep // Chicago Plans

It's no secret that I'm counting down the days to my Chicago vacation. It feels like just yesterday that I got back from my Memorial Day trip to the Midwest, but this time it's going to be particularly special: my best friend, Kelley, is meeting me there. We're calling it #friendcation.

Vacation Wishlist

I am so pumped for my Chicago vacation next week! Not only am I going to see all my old Windy City friends, but my best friend Kelley is taking the MegaBus up from Columbus. We have so much rad stuff planned. STOKED.

You've Got Nail // 4

New nails inspired by these leggings:

Weekstagram // July 14

Philadelphia is a sauna, by the way.

• Salmon-colored house? No words.
• Did some 50s-inspired nail art.
• Back on that selfie grind and not even mad about it.
• Oh well, whatever, nevermind.
• Scored this amazing vintage Chicago Cubs tee on eBay for $14.
• My garden is growing! YES!
• I booked a ticket to Chicago for July 24-28th. Super excited.
• Picks up some Docs 1460 Monos in white. SO rad.
• Another South Philly dog sticking his cute face out for me.

Follow Mini Penny on Instagram at @Chaplinnn.

Sampled Saturday

Woof. My energy is totally wiped out after hitting up the URBN Sample Sale this morning. I picked up a couple of good things — some Docs, a Cheap Monday sweater, a couple of amazing dresses. But check these babes out — Pour la Victoire Alice Haircalf Sneakers. Bonus: I got to see one of my most favorite humans ever, Adina. Her and I worked at different UOs in Chicago and she moved here to work at home office with me. She recently moved to Pittsburgh to work for American Eagle's headquarters and got these sweet new finger tattoos. Seriously amazing.

How'd you spend your Saturday afternoon?

Obsessed // Limeade

Limeade is my hands-down favorite summer drink. One of my favorite easy go-tos is Simply Limeade. I wanted to find some different ways to mix it up, so I consulted the wide world of Pinterest for some fun limeade recipes.

Silver Screen Style // The Sandlot

It's been a while since I've written about one of my favorite features: Silver Screen Style. Well, in a triumphant return, I present to you one of my favorite summer movies: The Sandlot. My family is really into baseball. I grew up with lots of brothers who played and of course, this movie was watched a lot. I have lots of memories of my father imitating the For-ev-ver scene.

Recipe // Orange Creamsicle Cookies

I recently saw these new cookie mix flavors at Target and really wanted to give 'em a shot on my own. After a bit of searching, I found a similar-looking cookie recipe and decided to test them out. I was worried that they'd be too sweet, but they turned out great! Bonus: it would be super easy to make these vegan! Recipe after the jump.

Home Preview // Living Room

I spend a lot of time in my living room. When I'm working, I love to have Netflix on for background noise, a soft couch, and nice sunlight. The moulding in the first floor of my house is easily my favorite!

You've Got Nail // 3

You know that feeling of knowing that you should go to bed, but instead you stay up way too late to finish your nails? Yeah, that was me last night.

These were inspired by some 50s fabric patterns. I picked up these Essie colors (it was my first time buying Essie polish) at Target. While the mint is great, the orange is very transparent — not impressed. It took a bit of working with, but in the end, I'm very happy with how they turned out!

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in 04 Petal Pusher
Essie Nail Laquer in Saturday Disco Fever
Essie Nail Laquer in First Timer
Sinful Colors Nail Art Striper Polish in Time Off

The White Moleskine

I'm a sucker for Moleskine notebooks. I have these darned things in a variety of colors and editions. There's just something perfectly compact and simple about them that I can't pull myself away from.

Last week I noticed someone at work carrying a white notebook that appeared to be a Moleskine. I have been a bit out of the loop with the notebook world lately and Googled it: sure 'nuff, there she was: The While Moleskine.

I ordered it on the spot and it came in the post rather quickly, just in time to replace my nearly-full Star Wars Moleskine (nerd alert). It's pretty lovely. The trick now? Trying to keep it clean.

Weekstagram // July 7

I unintentionally took a lot of views of my feet this week...

• Ikea Sunday. I bought nothing. Crazy, right?
• Picked up this amazing Chicago shirt from Homage.
• Headed back to the quarry on the Fourth.
• Saturday dinner with a friend from high school at Morgan's Pier.

Follow Mini Penny on Instagram at @Chaplinnn.

Breakups

This has never been a dating blog. In fact, over the past two and a half years and know that I frequently skirt the issue of breakups on Mini Penny. Guys sporadically come into my life, shoot a couple photos for me, and then disappear. And I never explain why.

My First New Jersey Thrift Haul

Finally. Finally.

Back in January, Lou and I went on a little thrift day in Philly. It was ultra-disappointing. The thrift stores were really dirty and smelly and gross. I had heard tales of a spot in New Jersey that was good — just across the river.

Wishes

I've been dying to get into the soft pant trend. I keep seeing styles I like, but just aren't perfect. Last week, I was in contact with Tedonna and saw these striped vintage beauties on her Etsy shop. It was love. I quickly ordered these, along with a few other days, and had to try them out as soon as they came in the mail.

The American Dream

Happy Fourth, American Minis! I hope you all have a safe and fun holiday — speaking of, what are y'all doing to celebrate? BBQs, beach time, family time? Since my family is so far, I'm spending my holiday with friends.

You've Got Nail // 2

I didn't take the jump and do anything Americana-themed nails for the fourth. Instead, I (for the first time ever) did someone else's nails! Meet Francisca and her totally awesome patriotic mani!

For this, I sketched out about thirty-five different red, white, and blue nail designs and chose my favorites. Francisca has short, natural nails (another thing I'm not used to painting), so I had to keep my sketches rather small.Ignore her curling iron burn. It happens to the best of us! Here's what I used:

Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Polish in 160 Cherry Red
Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Polish in 300 White One
NPW 3-in-1 Nail Art Pens in Americana

Did anyone else get festive fingers this year?

Home Preview // Bedroom

This is probably the largest bedroom I've ever had. Growing up, I had a tiny bedroom. Once, in Columbus, I lived in an amazing vintage studio that had a walk in closet — and the closet was big enough to fit my bed. It was a great sleeping nook. Now that I have a three bedroom house, I could have my choice of what room I wanted. I picked the front, largest room. Now, I'm not sure why, considering I did like my nook-room so much, plus the sun reflects off the mint house across the street in the morning and wakes me up more effectively than any alarm clock, but hey. It's working out pretty well.

Review // Pure + Remedy

I was contacted by Pure + Remedy back in April to try some of their face serums. Even though I received them a while back, I wanted to use them for a while to give them a fair review.