Ideas for Gathering: How to Host a Girls' Night In

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Somewhere between college and the real world, good old-fashioned girls' nights went from being a weekend given to a special occasion. Girlfriends grow up, move part, score "big girl jobs," and get our own places. It's so much fun to look back on the memories though. Gathering at a friend's apartment. Getting gussied up. And going out for a girls' night on the town.

Create the Good | Join The Lovely Side in 25 Days, 25 Ways to Give

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Create the Good. All opinions are 100% mine.

I have a confession to make: It's been years since I volunteered. Back in high school, I volunteered at our local auditorium. I was a member of the tech crew - handling everything from lights and sound to ushering and striking the set for professional, touring shows. It was a blast. I made friends, I gained responsibility, and I was able to contribute to something I dearly loved: theatre and the arts.

Here and there, I'd occasionally volunteer in college. But life got hectic - even more so when I landed my first "big girl job," left my college town, and went out on my own. Working full-time, I sometimes have enough of a hard time finding the time to blog, craft, DIY, or write... but for the last couple years I've had a nagging feeling that I need and want to do something more. Don't get me wrong - I feel purpose in my career, I find meaning in what I write and create at work.

12 Style Essentials for the Summer Beer Festivals

My favorite summertime activity? Beer festivals. There's nothing better than a gorgeous, sunny day hanging out, sampling brews, and talking beer with fest friends. With so many beer festivals under my belt, I decided to share my tried and true essentials to ensure that you, too, survive summer beer fest season in style.

1. An Easy, Breezy Dress

A dress is an entire outfit in one easy swoop. Since Iowa summertime involves sweltering sunshine and horrendously high humidity, I reach for lightweight fabrics and a comfortable cut. I like sleeveless because I have enough Iowa showing without a farmer's tan.  And pretty patterns make me feel pulled together even when dripping with sweat and slightly tipsy.

Go Out on a Limb | Meetup & Making New Friends

Go out on a limb. That's where the fruit is.

Since ringing in 2013, I've been going out on a lot of limbs. And there's been some juicy, delicious fruit out on the tips of those branches. I told a friend and long-time crush that I adored him - and turns out, we make a pretty great couple. I interviewed for a job position two hours away - and I here I am relocated to Eastern Iowa working at a full-time job I enjoy going to bright and early every morning. Some branches have been more shaky than others - like finding my own apartment. But overall, I've been quite blessed with the tree I'm climbing. Now it's time to go out on another limb: making friends.

6 Fall Date Ideas + Outfits, Part 2

Yesterday's post hopefully whetted your appetite for crisp apples, hot cocoa, roasted marshmallows, pumpkin seeds, wine, and maybe even some pumpkin lager.  Today I've got six more romantic little autumn escapades to enjoy with your significant other... and how to dress in lovely fall style!  (And you'll be craving some sweet corn, comfort food, and pumpkin spice lattes by the time I'm through!)

6 Fall Date Ideas + Outfits, Part 1

Maybe it's the fiery hues of fall foliage that warm our hearts.  Or perhaps the chill in the air sets us looking for someone to snuggle up with.  Whatever the reason, Spring Fever has nothing on autumn's beauty and opportunity for romance.  Date-worthy activities abound during the fall... as do perfectly cute fall outfits to wear while on those dates.  I've rounded up 6 fun fall date ideas with the wardrobe to go along with them.  

DIY: Guys vs. Vintage Furniture

As I start writing this post, I'm definitely feeling a little Carrie Bradshaw when she has writers block, thinks her editor is going to fire her, and attempts to write an article comparing men to socks.  But while she didn't know where she was going with comparing an argyle sock to a certain type of man, I know exactly where I'm going with comparing a man to a piece of vintage furniture.

10 Picnics + What to Wear on Them

With summer, blue skies, and gorgeous weather here... I can't help but fantasize about going on a picnic.  I have a lovely little picnic basket that just hasn't gotten the use it deserves.  As of today, nobody in my life is safe from the possibility of a picnic.  Spreading out a blanket, sitting outside, talking, eating, drinking, and being merry... picnics are perfect for dates, friends, family, or even just yourself.  So here are my top ten picnic ideas and what I'd want to wear on them.  Let me know which one you'd like most to go on!

Click through to see 10 lovely picnic ideas + outfits!!