drapery, treatments, curtains, or whatever you call it.

The drapes that were/are in the house right now were/are so outdated, all I want to do is rip them down and start over. We were able to get the kitchen ones done right away, luckily. The drapes that were up were a sheer lace that didn't offer much protection and were quite outdated, so Nathan and I trekked over to Target to find some that would go well with our pink tile. (Yes, it's in the kitchen too!)

Now that that's done, I keep finding ones that I want in all the other rooms... Which are your favorites?

French Tassel Window Panel, Serena & Lily, $22.99 (on sale!)

can I have one in every color?

Cotton Canvas Shadow Floral Curtain, West Elm, $39

Nautica Cabana Stripe Drape Panel, wayfair, $59.99 (ships free!)

Cotton Canvas Medina Border Curtain, West Elm, $39

Threshold Firework Border Curtain Panel, Target, $24.99

moving in.

Whew! What a hectic week it's been. Nathan and I moved in to our (!!) place last Saturday and it was exhausting.

My parents were able to come and help us move with their small trailer, which was more of a blessing than I could've imagined. The not-quite joke of the day was how exhausted that trailer was and what pros we were after the "month of moving" my family has endured. (Four complete family moves between my mom, grandma, great-grandma, and cousins will do a lot to you!)

We were able to get about 80% of our stuff in that day and Nathan finished his 20% the next day while I was out of town. We felt nothing but exhaustion as we sat on the floor for our picnic, enjoying the new chapter that had started in our lives.

As the week continued, we spent countless hours moving boxes, trying to keep our sanity, cleaning, and learning to live with each other. We may work well together as a couple, but we are still two completely different people! Nathan will never understand why I have so many coasters and I will never understand why I can't stack the pots and pans (because apparently they will scratch, he says).

But we are learning! And working hard... So far we've redone our patio, scrubbed out the kitchen cupboards and cleaned the hardware, scrubbed the bathroom floor, changed the drapes in the kitchen, and a whole page two of things already crossed off our checklist. Now if we could be that productive on wedding planning....

Before redoing the patio, but after 30 mins of weeding...

the (mostly!) finished after

A short funny about living together before I wrap this up? I woke up one morning last week to my phone ringing. I was waking from a dead sleep, so I naturally did not look at who was calling. I groggily said hello and heard Nathan reply back. It was odd to me that he was calling at 8:30 in the morning. "Where are you?" I asked him. "In the living room." Turns out, he had come into the bedroom at 8:25 to turn my phone from silent to loud, walked back to the living room, and called to wake me up. Nathan's reasoning? He knows I get cranky when I'm woken up and didn't want to deal with that. Sigh.. Such is a life together.

you know you're old.

I've had many instances in life where I've realized that I was growing up. Moving to college, paying bills, getting insurance, you know, adult things. But nothing had prepared me for feeling old like watching my middle sister graduate. 

I remember the day this girl was born, and she has always been someone - whether we were cranky with each other or not - that I could count on. I didn't feel old when I realized it had been exactly four years to the day since I had graduated high school, or when I realized most of my classmates and I had changed in drastic ways. I realized the moment I looked at her, sitting in her cap and gown, thinking that she had the entire world in front of her, and that everything she was thinking in that moment was probably wrong. (Sorry Kit!) You get it girl, you've got it all in front of you, and great friends and family behind you guiding you, and alongside you. Love you! 

furniture finds: pink bathroom

Nathan and I found a place this last weekend and we're so excited!  We'll move at the end of June - it seems like so far away.  Neither of us wanted to move in until we were engaged, so it's a pretty exciting time for us.  (I know the engagement isn't up yet - expect a post with all the details soon!)

The house that we'll be renting is GORGEOUS.  A two bedroom from the 50s with an adorable patio, faux fireplace, large kitchen... Fantastic.  The only downside to something built in the 50s is that pink tile was a BIG thing then, meaning our kitchen has pink backsplash (which will hopefully be redone before we move in) and the bathroom is pink.  Head-to-toe pink.  Pink floors, pink tile on the wall, pink and white wallpaper, and pink appliances.  Not sure what's going to be done there, so Nathan and I are trying to figure out how to cope.

We're thinking something along the lines of brown with the pink.  Most of our bathroom stuff now is brown, so it'd be less things to buy if we can just use what we have.  Here are a few things we're brainstorming:

What do you think?  Have you run into any similar problems?

psa: Hello.

This is a very important PSA that I promise will change your daily routine forever. Hello dental products are my new favorite thing in life.

I received two toothpastes, breath freshening spray, and a toothbrush in my #VoxBox from influenster last month and I couldn't be happier. I waited awhile to post anything on it because I wanted to get a real feel for how the toothpaste was in the long run. I can honestly say after a few weeks of consistent use, I'm never using anything else. 

The texture is a little creamier than most toothpastes, and it took a couple times to get used to that. It's made with no preservatives, artificial sweeteners, triclosan or dyes - and I can actually tell. I'm usually the last one to notice the taste of artificial sweeteners, but I notice that this tastes different because it doesn't have any artificial sweeteners. Awesome, right?

I'm using mojito mint currently! (Yay Target prices too, haha)

While the toothpaste keeps my breath fresh almost all day long, sometimes I eat onions (not raw) or drink too much coffee (not black) and need to freshen up a bit. That's where the spray comes in - LOVE. One quick spray (two if you're particularly garlicky) and you're done. Magically fresh and delicious. 

So glad influenster and Hello let me try their products. I'm never going back, thanks guys! #choosefriendly

for awhile.

Hello lovely readers!

Many of you have noticed that there's been a lack of posts, and when they do come, they're not consistent.  I truly, truly apologize.

Life has been crazy for the last few months.  I've been working on expanding Dankbar, which has taken priority after work and life.  Please forgive me during this time, and I hope you enjoy the posts that do come sporadically!


xx Taylor

I know, I know.

I hope this post is aptly titled. I know it's been a couple months since I posted. There's a reason for that - whether or not it's a good excuse is up to you.

About four I started my position at Yankee Eye Clinic (and Rosemount Eye Clinic, both branches of Vision Source), and it has been absolutely insane. I have a double position of optician and event planner and, let me tell you, it takes up all of my time. Whatever time it's not occupying is filled resting up from it.  End of year and beginning of the next is our busiest time, as it's when insurance ends and then begins again.  My normal schedule is definitely more of a suggestion of time I stay at work, so it's been a wild ride.  But a wild, exhilarating ride.

I've had a great support system of Nathan, my family, and my coworkers.  Who knew I could work with such great people?  I've had blog posts sitting in the draft folder, staring and mocking and judging, and so I took the chicken route and ignored them.  Whoops.  But here I am, starting fresh.

I'm not promising that it's going to be regular or great, but I'll keep writing.  It's a nice stress relief.  You're a nice stress relief.  So here we go, starting all over again.

Thanks for hanging and waiting on me.

xx

snafus.

If you follow me on Instagram, you saw this post early in the day yesterday. This is how my car has looked for 9 days. NINE DAYS. I was taught to drive like a semi driver, and I'm blessed to have a vehicle equipped with a rear camera, but I'm ready to have my vehicle emptied. 

Here's the story. I was supposed to move four days ago. There were snafus the entire way, and I just have my fingers crossed that I'll get in tomorrow morning. What's been stressful about the whole situation, though, is that I have had all of my stuff packed since Sunday. All my clothes, dishes, food, all of it. I've been staying with Nathan, but my three changes of clothes is exhausting. 

I just try to keep reminding myself that I'm stressed because I can't find clothes to wear to job interviews or to work, and that I should be grateful that two weeks out of college, I have a part time job and I'm scheduling interviews. It's helping a little - just gotta keep my chin up! 

I have so many drafts that I need to format still for you all, but, alas, my computer is packed away somewhere. Forgive any formatting errors in this post - the Blogger app only does so much!

How's your first week of September been?

September.

Happy September! While I'm all about endless summer, there's something about September that gets me every time. Yeah, there's the "new beginnings" aspect of it, but it's so much more to me. There's a sense of organization I get - new Post It's, my favorite pens, a fun new notebook. I start looking at new planners, putting in months of thought before I commit to one in November. Football season is here, and I've grown up knowing that it brings so much (more on that later!) I'm moving this week, looking for jobs, and starting so much. But what I get most excited for is holidays. September is the beginning of holiday season, and I cannot get enough. Keep your eyes out for my #fallfavorites post coming soon, as well! 

What is September to you?

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? 

beauty review:: dry shampoo

Inspired by Becky's recent (ish, I'm behind as usual...) post on this same topic, I was inspired to do this ranking for you all.  Dry shampoo is my dirty (clean??) little secret that I've been using for years.  To be honest, it started when I began college and tended to rush to class before a shower, or just needed a refresher after a nap.  My blonde hair tends to show products and look oily easily, so dry shampoo has been a go-to beauty-saver time and time again.  Over the years, I've made sure to try a few different brands, so here are my reviews of a few...

Suave Dry Shampoo
I've used this brand once.  Some people absolutely LOVE it, but it wasn't for me.  There is a distinct scent to it, one I wouldn't necessarily describe as pleasant.  The biggest issue I had with this one was that it left a slight residue in my hair.  Yes, I brushed out the white powder, but my hair still felt grainy to the touch.  If you don't mind either of those, it is a wonderful budget option, and it did add quite a bit of volume to my hair!

TreSemme Fresh Start

Let me start by saying, the smell isn't nearly as wonderful as some other products.  It's not bad per se, just not fantastic.  It eliminates some oily sheen, but not all.  If you're only using dry shampoo for a bit of volume, or to get rid of some oils for a quick meeting (face-to-face/Skype) before you hop into the shower, or one last errand after the gym, this is a great, low-cost option.  For all day use, you'll find yourself needing to reapply. 

Not Your Mother's Clean Freak

This is my favorite.  It's not as popular, or as easy to find, but it is my favorite brand (it's cheaper at Wal-Mart or Target!).  Personally, I love the smell.  Others find that it's a little strong.  I agree it's strong at first, but it doesn't linger.  The only linger is a nice, light, clean scent.  The only con to it is that if you spray too much, roots can look a little gray.  If you take the time to brush it out and shake it through the roots a bit, it disappears.  It lasts forever though, which is why the pros outweigh the cons for me.  As someone with hair that shows grease so, so easy, a long-lasting product is what I need.

In a pinch, Johnson's Baby Powder is the go-to.  I bring the little 3oz one with me on vacation and just put a little on if needed.  Cheaper than a travel size dry shampoo, easier to find, and great in a pinch, just puff some on your roots, brush, and go!  This one is the winner in smell too, ha!




What's your dirty (clean??) little secret?

Ginger Hop:: Minneapolis musts.

I apologize for the lack of good pictures on this one... I only had my iPhone with me, and the lighting there isn't the best for photos.  If I had taken more, you'd see the gorgeous palm fans in the bar!

Ginger Hop, in Northeast Minneapolis, is one of my favorite places.  I started my birthday there for one reason alone - the cream cheese wontons.  Nathan and I went back awhile ago, and I've gotten the wontons on take out multiple times since.  Literally the best cream cheese wontons I've ever tasted.  They have both plain cream cheese and carmelized onion cream cheese options, the latter coming with a soy/peanut/something delicious dipping sauce (though I'm a traditional sweet & sour).

Their cocktail drinks are delicious, and their wine & beer list isn't bad.  I will warn about the food - it is slightly spicy.  I made sure to order a dish that did not list "spicy", "hot", "medium", or "tangy" in the description, and I still ended up not being able to finish my meal due to my mouth burning.  Aside from it being surprisingly spicy, I enjoyed my dish, as did Nathan.  It should definitely be a place you check out, and if you're just going for the wontons, go during happy hour.

be you.

Just a friendly reminder for your weekend. Stay you, stay true. Enjoy it everyone!!

*be-you-tiful acrylic and gold leaf on canvas is available in the Dankbar Designs etsy store and on Facebook. Mention this post and receive a discount on any of our paintings, even if it's a custom order!

Pineapple Obsession

If any of you have checked out my Pinterest lately, you'll notice that I'm obsessed with anything and everything pineapple related.  It really is just making me crave grilled pineapple from my favorite Brazilian steakhouse and a linen shirt from J.Crew last summer (similar here).  Here are some of my favorites...

I actually found this dress at J.Crew Factory when I was in Florida.  I literally wear it every chance I get!

Now I just need an iPhone 5...

What's your latest obsession?

take me back..4th of July

I was running errands for work yesterday and received these lovely flowers from the grocery store.  As they had no use for red, white, and blue flowers any longer, each purchase was accompanied by these - so wonderful!  I couldn't stop smiling over them and I couldn't help but think about the amazing Fourth of July weekend I'd just had.

For the first time in over two years (!!), I was able to go out on the lake that my grandparents have had a cabin - and now a house - on, for over a decade.  Nathan had never been on the water, but my joy of sharing that with him was surpassed by my happiness of just being out there again.

I managed to only get a bit of splotchy sunburn (#sunscreen4ever) and it was all worth it.  Growing up, my grandparents had hosted a bash each Fourth of July and I have so many happy memories from those parties.  Unfortunately, my grandmother was hospitalized during the weekend.  It was a bummer, but Nathan and I made our way to Sioux Falls to spend the afternoon with her and enjoy a dinner out with Papa.  

As I reflect back on the weekend, not one part, not even spending half of a gorgeous day in a hospital room, has a negative cloud above it.  Fireworks on the lake, old friends boating over to say hello, games of guesstures with some of my favorite people, and just enjoying a part of my childhood happily, without the sad-tinged nostalgia of growing up, is enough to tide me over for quite awhile.  

And if it doesn't, I can look back on the one picture of the weekend that Kit sent me...

buttered tin.

I'm so behind on my posts it's embarrassing.  I visited the Buttered Tin in St. Paul with my friend Michael weeks ago.  Over a month ago.  So embarrassing.

We happened to be able to go on a weekday morning, so there was virtually no wait.  I ordered the Banana Foster French Toast and a mimosa - hello, it's brunch! - and I was not disappointed.  Everything tasted perfect, and the house-made whipped cream was the perfect touch.  Michael ordered the Biscuits and Gravy.  It wasn't to my taste (I don't like pepper), but I'm pretty sure I'm the only person who wouldn't like it.  I even got one of their cupcakes to go.  I brought it back to my apartment and put it in the fridge for a few hours until Nathan came over and I could share it with him.  It was soooo good, even hours after it was made!

One of my favorite parts of the Buttered Tin was their table numbers - playing cards!  It was the perfect quirky touch, I took a picture of it right away.  I cannot wait to go back.  I want to try the Buttermilk Pancakes and the Loaded Hashbrowns, though I may end up just getting the Banana Foster French Toast again!