back.

Hello everyone!

I am back.  Last time we talked, I was about to get down and dirty with the blogging.  That was, what, almost a week ago?  Here's what's been going on.

- I finished my 10 week intensive German course, which means I have finally and officially finished my degree!

- I spent a week being jobless, and spent it catching up with family, getting a couple super temporary part time positions, and doing some Dankbar stuff.

- Had a fantastic post-graduation weekend that I'd been looking forward to for months.

- Attended the Great Minnesota Get Together

And so many other things that I am so grateful to have experienced and so excited to share with you.  The end of my summer research program work experience, volunteering with the Minnesota Fringe Festival, and so many other experiences have happened and it's so much to talk about, I don't know where to start.


I'm way behind, I know, but forgive me.  Fall is bringing in a wave of new-ness for me, so fresh starts are on their way!

up&coming

guys I'm awful, I know. But, hear me out. You'll actually have to wait. Oops. 

I'm finally finished with my degree. I'm heading to bed, completely zonked, but I cannot wait to share with you what I've been up to! 

Cheers xx

minnepolis musts:: Pat's Tap

Pat's Tap on Nicollet has been on Nathan's list for awhile.  A couple weeks ago, I was dying for some patio time and he was dying to try Pat's, so off we went.  It had a great patio, great food, great drinks... I did not regret our decision at all.

Sunday afternoons at 4:45pm, when we chose to go, aren't terribly busy.  Leaving a couple hours, however, was a different matter entirely.  Being on Nicollet Avenue, there wasn't a ton of room for parking.  I'm fairly used to walking, but just be prepared that it might be a couple blocks away that you're able to park.

We got the house made Cheese Its right away.  I was absolutely starving and they instantly satisfied my hunger and blew away my taste buds.  We didn't make it in time for happy hour, but everything was very reasonably priced and the Apricot Hefe (their beer for July), was so good I got two, and have been craving it ever since.  The menu itself is a work of art.  I love the graphic layout and the typography, and their website has one of the best restaurant layouts I've ever seen.

After we finished dinner outside, it was in to the building we went.  Dimly lit, the place was adorned in the most fantastic wallpaper, and a plethora of sports and bar-themed memorabilia.  We headed into the back and played a couple rounds of Skee-Ball (I dominated, for once), and darts (also dominated).  It was only a quarter to play Skee-Ball or Darts, so we had plenty of fun off of a couple bucks.

I highly recommend going here if you get the chance - who doesn't love Pat?

summer outfit.

As I mentioned awhile ago, I have been insanely busy this summer.  Between working and getting through round 2 of intensive coursework (a 5 credit 18-week course in 5 weeks), I have hardly had time to breathe, let alone blog.  While I'm running around from point A to point B, my typical outfit is put together for comfort, functionality and, most importantly, weather-ready.  Minnesota summers are always warm (read: hot and humid), but a single day can bring high dew points, low dew points, rain, and piercing sun.  I always try and make sure to wear something that can function in all of these situations.

top (similar) :: shorts (similar) :: shoes :: watch (similar) :: hair ties

Patterned shorts, a chambray popover, cute sandals, a hair tie, and a watch.  To be honest, I hadn't even realized this was my typical outfit until a friend called me out on it - "typical Taylor, running shorts, but cute everything else".  HA!  If it's really hot out, I swap out the chambray for a racerback tank top (similar here and here).  I have the shorts pictured above in black and white - I cannot get enough of them.  I found them in Florida at a Nike Factory, and I kick myself that I didn't buy more pairs.  They're a beach short, so they aren't as loose or runner-ish looking.  Let's not kid though...I'd wear these Nike shorts too.

Any doubts that this does't work? (Trust me, I've had them, my sisters tease me all the time.)  Remember that anything one wears works, as long as you've got the confidence to go with it.

What's your summer go to?