I visited one of my local Goodwill NCW stores in Green Bay and scored some amazing finds! My goal on my latest thrift shopping trip was to find some nice tops that I could wear to work with warmer temps just around the corner. I found what I was looking for plus a few fun extras.
Sometimes, before I tackle the racks of clothing, I like to take a peak in the aisles of books, glasses, games, etc. You never know what you may stumble across! On this day, something shiny caught my eye. That something shiny was a RuPaul Little People set! I had no clue this was even something that existed. For $3.99, I added it to my cart. Everyone needs some fun desk decor, right?
In the board game aisle, there was another fun surprise: a Parks and Recreation themed game. I figured this would be a fun item to bring along to family gatherings, so I also added it to my cart.
Next, I got into the racks of clothing and started sorting through the neutral colors. I wear mostly neutrals, so those are the sections I tend to stick to (with a few exceptions).
I got lucky and found 2 cozy sweatshirts. The first was an Abercrombie & Fitch brand crewneck. The second was a Garage brand cropped hoodie. If I’m being honest, I didn’t absolutely need 2 new sweatshirts in my wardrobe, but both had a nice fit and quality material. I knew I could find room for them.
I also found a few pieces that satisfied my mission of finding work-appropriate tops! The first was a navy blue button-up. I love the shape and flowy feel of this top. Plus, it’s Express brand, so I knew it would be decent quality.
Next, I found a black button-up. This top is a 1X (I’m typically a medium), but when styled with a tie in the front it’s a perfect fit!
Last, I found a black long-sleeve top. It is a simple top, but it’s elevated with knot details at the end of the sleeves and a cinched fit. The material is breathable enough that I think I could get away with wearing it in spring!
Overall, I’d say it was a successful shopping trip!
What’s your best thrift shopping find? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments or on Instagram. Let’s chat!
For Valentine’s weekend, my fiancé and I enjoyed a cozy getaway at Bantr. We’ve been in the greater Wausau area a few times now and have continued to find new-to-us spots to explore. I like to challenge us to find new restaurants, coffee shops, and mini adventures on each of our weekend trips.
We got into town on Saturday around lunchtime. Hungry for a bite to eat, we went to La Taqueria. We both ended up getting the big burritos, so maybe we were hungry for more than just a bite…But, our meal was delicious! I went for chicken, and Ryan opted for chorizo. Whichever is your preference, I believe you’ll enjoy it!
While we did plan on exploring another restaurant in the area for dinner, *spoiler alert* we didn’t. We were full and very satisfied with our meal at La Taqueria throughout the rest of the day, so we just had a few snacks for dinner. The next time we visit, I’d love to try Tine & Cellar or The Velveteen Plum for a meal.
After lunch, we stopped by a coffee shop that has been on my list to try: Tucknee Coffee Company. I really enjoyed the look and feel of the cafe. And, they made a perfect London fog latte. It’s definitely the type of coffee shop that I could get comfy and sit for hours in.
It was just about time to check into our hotel room once we got done with our sips, so we made our way to Bantr. Our room was complete with a whirlpool tub and fireplace. Plus, a cute little rubber duck?!
Mr. Coolio caught my eye as we were getting settled in. He’s one of the Bantr ducks that you may find during your stay, and you can redeem him for a drink at the hotel bar. After taking some time to relax, we took up Mr. Coolio’s offer.
When we got to the bar, we saw speed daters chatting around tables. In the theme with Bantr’s event, there were two fun drink specials: Royal Blush and Nervous First Date. We grabbed a seat at the bar and ordered. Royal Blush was my favorite! I may need to put my skills to the test and try to make it at home.
Later in the evening, we enjoyed some live music and eventually ventured to the pool/hot tub. The hot tub is always one of the best things about staying at Bantr.
The next morning, we got packed up and checked out. Before really hitting the road, we wanted to grab breakfast. Breakfast Bear had been on my radar since I saw Visit Wausau post about the restaurant, so we decided to try it! I’m very happy we did.
It was admittedly packed when we got there, but we snagged a spot at the bar for 0 wait time. I got a vanilla iced latte and a classic breakfast of eggs, potatoes, bacon, and toast that hit the spot. Ryan got the most delicious-looking breakfast burrito and a macchiato.
Breakfast Bear or Era Pancakes and Cafe are both amazing brunch spots in the area with nice aesthetics and quality coffee drinks. You can’t go wrong with either!
Cheers to our sweet Valentine’s getaway! I’m looking forward to the next adventure.
Where is your favorite weekend getaway destination? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments or on Instagram. Let’s chat!
This year, I enjoyed a couple of mini getaways in Wausau, and I’m planning another soon! It’s the perfect distance away from my home in Green Bay to feel like a getaway while being a short and sweet road trip. On my Wausau adventures, I’ve discovered unique places to explore, eat, and grab drinks. Read on for some of my favorites!
A Cozy Stay
Bantr has been a lovely host in the Wausau area. The hotel has a log cabin style and cozy feel. I’ve had a great time at events they host. The NEW Dueling Pianos performed at the hotel bar over Halloweekend – it was a blast. Also, Bantr has the best hot tub, so pack a swimsuit when you visit!
Things To Do
On my first trip to the area, I saw the Monk Botanical Gardens. This was the perfect place to get a relaxing walk in. I’d love to visit again when the gardens are in bloom!
On another trip, I went to Wisconsin’s oldest bookstore, Janke. I highly recommend this shop to all book lovers. There are so many used and new books to look at as well as other items like craft supplies, journals, and more.
If you’re a night owl, The Garage is a fun bar to check out. They are true to the theme with creative decor like cars mounted on the walls.
Delicious Bites & Sips
I always love trying local food spots! During my first time visiting the Wausau area, I grabbed dinner at Red Eye Brewing. Their Forager pizza was delicious (and vegetarian-friendly!). The next time, I had dinner at Sconni’s – if fried brussel sprouts are your thing, you need to go there for the apps.
On future trips, I’m looking forward to exploring more of the local coffee shops, but I’ve enjoyed Clean Slate Coffeehouse. The playful and eclectic aesthetic of the place is very cool!
For brunch, Era Pancakes and Cafe is the spot! The look and feel of the place is very pretty and open. Also, the food and hand-crafted coffee drinks are amazing! Treat yourself, and order the Caramel Macchiato if you visit.
Have you been to Wausau? What local spots do you love? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments or on Instagram. Let’s chat!
If you’ve been here since the beginning of my blog, then you’ve been a reader for 4 years! Cheers to that!
Each blogiversary, I like to look back on the content of last year and see the places and things I wrote about. As I look back this year, I see some of the mini-trips that I experienced. I enjoyed bringing you along on my Sheboygan, Door County, and Fox Valley adventures. I also see posts featuring some of my favorite local coffee shops in Green Bay and De Pere. Content that’s close to home is what I want to continue creating!
I’m grateful I started this blog while I was in college. At that time, it gave me a creative outlet in between writing papers, part-time jobs, and attending class. Now, with a full-time career, I still appreciate this space that I can come to and create. It’s a place where I can express myself through writing and share the experiences and things that are special to me.
Little did I know the people and opportunities you get to know through committing some words to a website! During this past year of blogging, I’ve continued collaborating with Goodwill NCW on thrifting content and even got to cover a concert at the EPIC. It has been great to partner with brands that I admire, and I’m excited to see what opportunities may come this next year.
Thank you for being a part of my blogging journey! I look forward to chatting with you soon in the next post!
What would you like to see in year five? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments or on Instagram. Let’s chat!
Just one hour away from my home in Green Bay is the city of Sheboygan. Yet before this October, I had never really been to the area before. Sure, I had driven through and seen the World’s Largest Symbol of Freedom from the road, but I hadn’t explored the other things that Sheboygan had to offer. I am happy I spent a weekend in the area to experience the city. Now, I have some new favorite restaurants and shops in the area, as well as a list of things I need to try when I visit again. Curious what you can do in the Malibu of the Midwest? Read on for my 2-day trip adventure!
On a Friday night, after work, I drove to Sheboygan. It was a quick and relaxing cruise! I arrived around 6:00 pm at The Watershed Hotel. I was very impressed with the overall aesthetic of the place. The lobby’s big fireplace gave all of the coziest vibes. My room was very modern and chic with a balcony overlooking the Sheboygan River. I got settled in quickly and ready for my dinner reservation.
I’m glad I went hungry to BoMallies because there were so many great dishes to taste. First up, I enjoyed some Beef Khalbi Smashed Dumplings. Then, I had some of the special of the night: Seafood Ravioli. I couldn’t resist the Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs (I’m a big fan of vodka sauce). And finally, I tried the Banh Mi Tacos. Everything I ate was absolutely incredible.
I highly recommend visiting this place with a friend or a group so you can sample around the different plates! I think the Smashed Dumplings may have been my favorite, but the Banh Mi Tacos were a very close second.
To drink, I had the Wisconsin Mule. It had cranberry vodka with honey, orange and rosemary syrup, fresh cranberries, and lime. Tasty and on the sweeter side! But, I suppose that wasn’t the only sweet thing I enjoyed… After a delicious meal, I had to try the Car Bomb Cake. Guinness chocolate cake, soaked with Baileys, Jameson cream cheese frosting… anyone else drooling?
Not only did BoMallies impress me with food, but also art! The walls were covered with unique pieces, and I even spotted one of my favorite artist’s works, Donald Topp. Yes, those are the ladies of the Mystery Machine all tatted up; I adore them.
Post-dinner, I wanted to check out 3 Sheeps Brewing. I always enjoy exploring breweries outside my area and adding new brews to my Untappd profile! At 3 Sheeps I enjoyed a Pumpkin Spice Beer (’tis the season). Typically, I don’t go for dark beers, but this one was nice and smooth. 3 Sheeps’ indoor space was roomy and definitely felt like the place to be on a Friday night.
The next day, I woke up to a gorgeous view from my hotel room and began getting ready for more exploring. My first stop was the Sheboygan Visitor Center. Here, you can get all of the information on local things to do, shop for souvenirs, and find unique pieces from local artists. They had a pull-tab art kit that I thought was awesome (here’s the artist’s site).
To fuel up, I visited Eb Flo Coffeehouse for a latte and avocado toast. The aesthetic was very relaxing, and I loved looking out on the water while sipping my coffee. This place made for a satisfying breakfast and a great start to the day.
I knew when I was planning to visit Sheboygan that I wanted to check out some local shops. First up, I visited the Hello Happiness Creativity Center. It’s a craft supply store that has new and second-hand items to get creative with. I enjoy bullet journaling and collaging, so I was excited to find bundles of different papers to work with. Whatever your craft of choice may be, I believe you’ll be able to find something that inspires you at Hello Happiness.
In Downtown Sheboygan, there were lots of shops to look around. Nikki’s Nex2New consignment shop was right up my alley. There, I found a cozy cardigan and a cute top to take home. Mainstream Boutique was fun to look around. They had lots of pretty pieces and perfect styles for the current fall and winter seasons. If you’re looking for a classic thrift shop, Revolution Resale is a great place to go.
One of my favorite shops was FreakToyz. They sell all sorts of unique toys, figurines, comics, and collectibles. I saw everything from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to Doctor Who to Harley Quinn to… the list goes on! This place really had so many amazing things to look at. Here, I picked up a little Ash Pop Figurine to add to my haul.
In between shops, I discovered some murals downtown. The street art in Sheboygan is very lively and energetic. If you visit, don’t miss your chance to get abducted in the UFO mural!
I also explored the John Michael Kohler Arts Center (JMKAC). It’s an art gallery that’s free to enter and look around! They also offer other programs and activities to engage with the arts. I was happy my visit landed at the same time that Patricia Piccinini’s exhibit, Encounters of Another Plot, was on. It was incredible to see it in person. I also caught Bea Fremderman’s exhibit, Weeds Compared to Flowers, which was very interesting (you can catch it until February 18, 2024). Also, did I mention that the JMKAC washrooms are works of art too?!
Walking around shops and art helped me work up an appetite for lunch. Pizza sounded good, so I ended up at Il Ritrovo. Little did I know that this pizza would definitely ruin some other pizzas for me. Il Ritrovo was the 5th Certified Vera Pizza Napoletana member in the United States. So what does that mean? Their wood-fired, Neapolitan pizza is authentic. Special training and strict requirements are needed to be a certified established. In short, this place is the real deal. It may go without saying, but the pizza was delicious!
Before hitting the road home, I had to take a moment to look out at the water and see if I could catch any surfers riding the waves. In case you didn’t already know, Sheboygan is nicknamed the Malibu of the Midwest because of its surf community! Yes, people surf on the Great Lakes (even in the winter).
I had the best time exploring Sheboygan for a couple of days and getting to know the area. Huge thanks to Visit Sheboygan for hosting me and guiding me on the adventure.
Have you been to Sheboygan? What local spots do you love? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments or on Instagram. Let’s chat!
My SO and I hit the road to the Fox Valley last Saturday. Appleton and Oshkosh aren’t too far away from our home in Green Bay, so they make perfect day trip destinations. It’s amazing how many places there are close to home that you may have never known about. I love checking out all of the hidden (and not-so-hidden) gems in Northeast Wisconsin – they make for great mini-adventures!
Here’s how we spent our day in the Valley:
Fueling Up at All Tied Up
On the way to Oshkosh, we stopped by All Tied Up in Appleton to grab brunch. It’s a flower shop and cafe, so they have pretty plants in their space, along with delicious food and drink. I ordered a Pumpkin Spice Latte and Tomato & Basil Avocado Toast – both hit the spot!
Exploring at EAA
Admittedly, I didn’t know a whole lot about planes going in, but the EAA Museum was very fun to explore. There were tons of interactive elements throughout the museum and massive displays to look at. If you’re an aviation or history buff, this place needs to be on your list! As a novice, I enjoyed it too!
Grabbing Lunch at Gabe’s
After walking around the EAA Museum, we were hungry. So, I searched for something local nearby and stumbled upon Gabe’s. All I can say is YUM. We both had the Beer Can Chicken Wrap, and it was perfect. Just the treat we needed before our last stop of the day…
Golfing at Glow in the Park
Our final stop was Glow in the Park! It’s an indoor mini golf course that literally glows in the dark. On the walls, you’ll see energetic designs and a few references to Alice in Wonderland. The 18 holes were each unique and offered some playful competition.
What are your favorite things to do in the Fox Valley? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments or on Instagram. Let’s chat!
Whether you are just jumping on the thrifting bandwagon or want tips for a better thrift shopping experience, you are in the right place! In this blog post, I’m sharing some of my best practices. I hope this helps you find some new-to-you favorites!
Audit Your Closet
First, look at what you currently have before heading to the thrift store. Set intentions for what you’d like to find: What are your needs and wants? It’s important to be mindful of what you currently have so you can purchase items that will serve a purpose and enhance your wardrobe.
Bring a Friend
I find that it’s more fun to thrift when you have someone to chat with. Also, it’s great to have someone who will give an honest opinion when you’re unsure about an item.
Fuel Up Before You Go
Thrifting can take some time. You have to go on a bit of a hunt for your new favorites (but that’s the fun of it!). Before heading to your local thrift store, stop by a cafe for a caffeinated beverage and snacks. Yes, this is an excuse to treat yourself – You’re welcome.
Shop Off-Season
If you plan ahead, you can score great deals on off-season items. For example, shop for sweaters in summer and tank tops in winter. Off-season items are typically marked at lower prices since there’s less demand for them.
Shop By Color
You know the colors that make you feel great? Focus on those colors while thrifting. This will help you narrow your search and not get overwhelmed by all of the options.
Shop a Variety of Sizes
I usually wear a size medium, yet when I thrift, I look at sizes small and large too. Depending on how clothing has been washed and cared for in the past can impact the size it is on the thrift store rack. Of course, different brands have unique sizing too. The size ultimately doesn’t matter – what matters is that the fit is comfortable for you!
Don’t Pass on Quality Basics
Black and white tank tops are items I always need to wear under blouses or cardigans for work. When I find basics from brands I like, I make sure to add them to my cart! They may not be items that I need immediately, but I know they will come in handy when my current basics get worn out.
Don’t Forget Accessories
Belts, bags, glasses, scarves, and other accessories are great to look for at thrift stores. You’re sure to find something unique!
Don’t Forget the Deals
Check out the clearance section, make sure you know the color tag of the week, and be on the lookout for other promotions on social media! While thrifting is a good deal already, you can maximize your savings.
What do you hope to find on your next thrifting trip? Let me know in the comments or on Instagram. Let’s chat!
Living in Northeast WI, it’s easy to wake up and plan a spontaneous day trip to Door County on a day off. That’s exactly what my SO and I did last week. The weather was beautiful so getting outside and exploring sounded appealing.
On the way, we stopped by Grandma Tommy’s. It’s a cute country store with lots of knick-knacks, Door County treats, and Wisconsin items to look at. I wanted to take home one of the WI-shaped chairs but resisted (for now).
Once we got to Egg Harbor, we discovered Hatch Distilling Co. I enjoyed the laid-back and relaxed environment as soon as we walked in. It was fun to try all of their different whiskey and bourbons. Doc Wahl whiskey was a favorite!
For lunch, we decided on Wild Tomato for some delicious wood-fired pizza. It’s a must-have if you’re in the area! We ordered the Sausage & Pesto pizza (the Veggie is also a great option). Post-meal, it felt good to get a little walk in at Peninsula State Park.
The park has beautiful views as well as a lighthouse to explore and a tower to walk up. There are also opportunities to camp or kayak at Peninsula State Park which I think could make for a fun overnight trip.
On the way back to Green Bay, we stopped by the Egg Harbor Fun Park to go-kart and play mini golf. On most day trips, I don’t think you can go wrong seeking out a mini golf course. It’s something that just about everyone can enjoy!
Until next time, Door County…
What are your favorite things to do in Door County? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments or on Instagram. Let’s chat!
A little while back, I had the opportunity to hear Mariana Atencio speak during a women’s leadership event at my alma mater. She’s an award-winning journalist, best-selling author, and she has a lot to say about the topic of authenticity. Something that stuck with me the most from her speech was a series of 7 steps that she explained as “the control framework.” She designed it to help deal with uncertainty and take control of authenticity.
I think many of us find ourselves in situations where it may seem easier to just bend to fit a mold than to be our authentic selves. Her speech served as a great reminder of why “faking it” doesn’t actually benefit anyone. So, if you’re ready to take control, here are some steps to consider:
Covering
Mariana describes this first step as identifying what you’re leaving at the door. If you aren’t being your whole self when you walk into a room, what’s missing? What parts of yourself are you covering up or hiding? Think about what you can do to let these parts of yourself shine.
Outlook
When you’re not being your authentic self, are you giving in to some type of external or internal pressure? It’s important to identify your frame of reference and whose lens you’re choosing to view yourself through.
Network
Consider the people that you surround yourself with. Personally, I find this step to be a big one. There’s a saying that you are the average of the 5 people that you spend the most time with. To some extent, I do believe this to be true. I think it’s important to surround yourself with individuals that make you happy, that motivate you, and that embrace who you are.
Time
As Mariana says, being inauthentic is hard work. It can waste a lot of your time trying to be someone that you’re not. Instead, invest time into yourself and develop who you actually are.
Ritual
Think about your habits and your routines. Do they serve you well? If not, make adjustments. If so, think about how you can enhance them.
Opportunity
I view opportunity as finding the spaces where you can thrive. Look for opportunities that align with who you are and what you care about. These are things that will make you feel electric.
Love
Last but certainly not least, you gotta love the authenticity journey and your true self. Taking control of your authenticity is all about caring for yourself in all aspects of your life.
How will you take control of your authenticity? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments or on Instagram. Let’s chat!
In my last blog post, I shared six coffee shops in Downtown Green Bay. Downtown De Pere also has some great local stops to get your caffeine fix. In this blog, I will cover a few of my favorites, but I know there’s still more of De Pere that I need to explore! If you have any favorite coffee shops in the area, leave me a comment at the end of this post.
Luna Cafe
This is one of my favorite spots to grab brunch. They feature different daily sandwiches and wraps, so there’s guaranteed to be something new to try. The De Pere location is nice and cozy. It’s a great spot for getting some stuff done on your laptop or meeting up with friends. My go-to order here switches between a lavender honey latte or an iced americano with a splash of milk.
The Exchange
The best way to describe this coffee shop is aesthetic. It’s very industrial, with lots of wood, black, metal, and gold furniture and decor. I always enjoy their honey lattes (with almond milk) and their avocado toast. Speaking of their avocado toast, it’s not what you would typically expect. The base that would usually be bread is swapped out with a bubble waffle. My first impression was a bit skeptical, but after tasting it, I was a fan.
One piece of advice if you visit this shop on the weekend: get there early! It can get pretty busy, and it can be difficult to find a table. But it’s worth it.
Tazza Italian Coffee Co.
With exposed brick and greenery, this coffee shop is also very cute. I love this cafe for their seasonal flights. They have latte flights, hot chocolate flights, and even lemonade flights. Their latest round of lemonade flights features lavender, strawberry rose, hibiscus, and honey jasmine flavors. It was delicious, so try it while you can!
Megan Burton 