New Kid

Wow. I’m officially a senior in high school. Like seriously, how the heck did that happen? I literally still feel like I’m a second grader roaming the halls at my elementary school looking up at the “big kids” wondering what it feels like to rule the school. But guess what? I’m now one of those “big kid” and while I most definitely don’t rule the school, I do happen to like my new school. A lot. If you’ve been following PopCosmo for a while now, you might know that my high school years have been a little out of the ordinary. In short, I’m a five year high schooler that has attended three different schools. One teeny tiny private school, one online school, and now a huge public school. It has been awesome to see the differences in the teaching styles and the students, but I have to say, I think this latest school — the huge public school — is my favorite high school of all three. I just started yesterday but the people are super friendly (they talk to me haha), the teachers really know their stuff, and I have all the freedom I could want (aka I can leave for lunch and leave at the end of the day early because I don't have a last period class). However, I am a new kid so of course it’s going to take me a few weeks to adjust and really get to know the people in my classes, but I have to say, so far I love it. I was VERY excited about going back to “real school” from online school, but I’ll admit, I was a bit nervous. I was going to be a new kid senior year. I thought people wouldn’t really care to get to know me because they already had their friends, posses, and cliques. But I was open to talking to anyone and I think that really helped. I was thinking about writing a post on how to be a new kid, so let me know if that's something you'd be interested in reading... I have plenty of experience and plenty to write about. Anyway, I just thought I’d pop in and give y’all a little update. Sorry for the lack of posts around here lately, I’ve been busy adjusting to being a senior at a new school!

xox Chloe

Free Binder Covers

Well, I promised that there would be new free binder covers out soon, and I’ve kept the promise by following up with more cute binder covers. I decided to keep it preppy with the color combos + stripes, because I think a lot of you will really like them… I know I love ‘em. We truly think that cute school supplies can make an entire school year more bearable, so we've got you covered when it comes to amping up the cuteness factor of those ugly and plain binders. But. they work for anything -- in fact, my mom is even using them around the house for things like take-out menus and papers for me and my brother. Hope you like this new design as much as the first set. Free binder covers for the win!

Also, if you use them be sure to post a picture on Twitter or Instagram and tag us @popcosmo and we will totes love you forever and ever. ;)

back to school and office supply binder cover templates

DIY binder covers

free downloadable binder insert | takeout menus

DIY binder covers for school and home

So all you need to do is drag and drop the image and place it on your desktop. Then open it in Word or Photoshop and add the text you would like! 

Thanks for reading!

xox Chloe

My trip to The Broadmoor

This past weekend my family and I went for a nice weekend trip to The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, which is basically Colorado's answer to Sea Island (at least that's what it felt like to me). It was so fun to get away for a short little trip that was loaded with fun. The first night that we got there we just chilled in the hotel and then went for a fancy dinner. I didn’t get a picture of my meal but I got chilled avocado soup that was amazing and then quinoa with feta. It was too good to wait to take a picture of, so I just ate it! Then we went back to the hotel and crashed because it was late & we were all so sleepy.

The next morning we had to wake up super early because my mom planned a white water rafting trip for us. One thing you should know is that I’m not afraid of anything (really, I’ll try anything once) but the idea of white water rafting scared the heebeejeebees out of me. It honestly doesn't make any sense because I am a great swimmer (I was on a swim team the majority of my life) and I rowed crew for three years. But we had a blast with a fantastic guide! We got soaked, laughed, worked hard, paddled, went over boulders, and I conquered my fears. Yay!  Then we pigged out on pig at a BBQ place called Rudi’s (my Dad’s obsessed with it) and then felt enormously unfit as we toured the Olympic training center. I am inspired even more to get in shape.

Very, very early Sunday morning my parents woke my brother and I up for a surprise hot air balloon trip and lavish breakfast in a field, which was to be the highlight of the trip. About 5 minutes after we woke up we received a call that it had been cancelled due to bad weather which was a huge bummer. So we went back to sleep and spent Sunday just chilling, and enjoying an enjoying a sumptuous breakfast. On the way home, we convinced my Dad we needed to stop at some outlets, because what vacation is complete without a little shopping?

It was the perfect family weekend at The Broadmoor! Here are a few pictures to show you and not just tell you. There are quite a few so I hope you like ‘em!

What’s your favorite family trip that you've ever taken?

xox, Chloe

Behind the Gram

These Behind the Gram posts have been popping up lately, and I decided to jump on the train before it left the station. This post is quite embarrassing, but please know that if you laugh you're laughing WITH me and not AT me.

What it looks like: omg, just went shopping and have to show off my new fabulously perfect shirt.

What really happened: yeah, this shirt is fabulously perfect and I wanted to show it off, but when I was shopping at the store I picked up a size below my size and then bought it without trying it on. I then proceeded to ask the guy at the checkout if it was final sale (it was) when I was buying it and I still bought it without trying it one (why?! i never do that!). My mom continued shopping around the store and I started freaking out that I bought the wrong size. I then asked a different sales person if I could try on a dress so that I could actually try on this shirt. It was a size too small. But, I accidentally ripped off the tag when I was taking it off after trying it on. I then went back to the sales guy and told him that I “accidently picked up the wrong size and the tag fell off and I don’t know how that happened but can I exchange this shirt for a size bigger.” Long story short, this shirt was a nightmare to buy but well worth it because I got an Instagram out of it and it's fabulous and it was on super sale.

What it looks like: four professional models on the loose in nyc. everyone beware because we feel more fabulous than we look.

What really happened: I saw someone post an Instagram in Lincoln Center that was super cute so I wanted to recreate the picture. I made Frannie, Caroline, and Sammy hunt for this wall. We then found it and made a random lady take a few pictures of us. The first time she took the pictures they didn’t turn out well so I asked her to take them again. She seemed annoyed, but I really needed her to get the shot. Also, this random dude (it wasn’t Bill Cunnigham, but I’m convinced it was someone on that caliber of awesome) was taking our picture too?

What it looks like: hehe, just me being clever and messing around with my macaroons and the focus on my camera.

What really happened: The other interns and I went to Broadway Bites for lunch one day, I brought my lunch that day but still went because I wanted to bond with the other interns and get out of the office for half an hour. I was browsing around while the other girls were ordering their food and I found some macaroons. They were really expensive so I told the guy working the booth that “I’ll be back” so I could nicely leave without saying that his macaroons were too expensive for me. Then the other interns told me I should buy something so I went back to the macaroon guy and bought a macaroon. He remembered me and gave me one for free. I’m pretty he gave me a free one  because I looked good in my party pants because I had already gotten the FedEx guy to give me a reduced price on a package I had to ship earlier that day. I swear, THE PANTS ARE MAGIC. Also, I picked red and blue because America was playing in the World Cup that day and I wanted to seem festive.

What it looks like: chloe here, reporting live from trendyville. I just happened to stumble in this coffee shop with fancy tiled floors. Also, I’m part of the Birks train so I’m cool.

What really happened: I had planned my whole day in nyc around finding a this one super trendy ice cream place. It was a 25 minute subway + walk from my apartment and it was at least 100 degrees out but I really wanted fancy ice cream. I had the address pulled up on my phone but I couldn’t find it anywhere! I was so frustrated and so hot. But on the way to the ice cream shop I stumbled across Lafayette. I bought a coffee just so I could take a picture of my feet on their floor. As I was paying for my coffee I accidentally pulled out a tampon and a guy was at the register, but I was so hot and so annoyed I couldn’t find my ice cream place that I didn’t even care. Then I took like 89052431 pictures because I had to make sure it was in focus. I then got out of there super fast because it was an awkward fest.

What it looks like: Just casually showing off my new kicks.

What really happened: my mom can’t really take pictures that well so I made her be my model. she had to lay on the floor and kick her feet up so we could take a cute picture of these shoes. Her back hurt that day so she was mad that she had to lay on the floor for 10 minutes while I tried to take the perfect shot. Also, we hung a huge white piece of paper right in front of our door because that’s where the best light was. I’m pretty sure our neighbors and mailman thought we were insane.

Hope you like this post! If you want me to do a round two then let me know! xox Chloe

Free Downloadable Binder Covers

One of our all time most popular posts is our “Decorating Notebooks” post from a year ago. We thought that, since it’s still crazy popular, we should bring it back with better and bolder designs. I decided to create free downloadable binder covers for y’all and I hope you love them as much as I do. I can’t wait to use them this year for school! I’m planning on hopefully coming up with other designs, so if you aren’t head over heels with this set then be on the look out for different styles! Here’s how to create your own: 1.Click the link that says "download" and then download the "blank canvases” to your desktop 2.Upload them into Word, Pages, Photoshop, etc. 3.Use your favorite font to write your class name on the white part of the cover. (I used Antonio from Font Squirrel!) 4. Print!

click here to download pink + blue + navy binder cover

click here to download pink + blue + yellow binder cover

click here to download pink + pink + pink binder cover

Really! It’s that simple. Let me know what other patterns and color combos you would like to see… polka dots? watercolor inspired stripes? pink and green? yellow and mint green?

If you do happen to use these free downloadable binder covers, we’d love to see how they look! Tag us on Instagram or Twitter (@popcosmo) and you just might be featured on a blog post!

xox Chloe

Aesthetic Phases / 1

I don’t know if I’m the only one who goes through aesthetic phases, but I surely can’t be, right? If you follow us on Pinterest (you better be) then you might notice how every few weeks our “mood” shifts. It’s not a dramatic "tectonic plate inducing earthquake" shift, it’s more of a “let’s switch one or two pillows on the couch and see the difference” shift. I guess that’s why I’m not really a “fashion person” (sue me). I like being able to switch it up on a moments notice, so that’s why  I stick to more basic and simple clothes. Anyway, all I’m trying to say is that what I like and the aesthetics that I like are constantly shifting and changing. I decided to create this little mini series thing where I would create a mood board of my current likes. I have absolutely no idea how often (if at all) I will be posting these mood boards, but as Miley Cyrus once said “it’s my blog I can do what I want to.” Err, at least I think she said something along those lines…

photo / photo / photo / photo / photo / photo / photo / photo / photo / photo /photo / photo / photo  This mood board doesn't really have a name, but if I had to choose one I think it would be along the lines of "Jen Gotch is my girl crush" or "this is what feminism looks like to me" or "pink is cute and strong" or "this mood board may be better off nameless."

Thanks for reading! Let me know what you think of this idea for a series! xox Chloe

How To Style Pictures On A White Background

I’ve been getting a few emails recently asking how I take styled pictures on a stark white background. White backgrounds, for a blogger, are so important in showing items. The white allows the items to “pop” off the screen. White backgrounds as so important. The only problem is that sometimes the white isn’t so white. Often times the white turns out more on the yellow or grey side. And it can be VERY annoying. Today I’m going to save the day and tell you how I take my pictures on a white background so the white turns out white.

1. I use a white poster board as a background. They are cheap, moveable, and perfect for the job. 2. I then place my poster board near a window and turn off all lights. Natural light is the only way to go. Sometimes I have to wait until the next day to take pictures if I run out of time. It’s worth the wait to have natural light, trust me. 3. I shoot my camera on manual mode. This means that I can pick how exposed I want my picture. I typically overexpose my pictures on white backgrounds so that the white will be brighter. Sometimes overexposing doesn’t work (if you’re shooting a white or light colored object) so you just have to play around with it! 4. Once I am finally happy with a picture (sometimes it takes 100 shots of the same exact scene just with different angles) I upload the pictures on my computer. I then pick the one that looks best at first, aka minimal editing. 5. I then upload the picture in Photoshop and work around with it. I ALWAYS fix the “levels,” so that’s my starting point. I then also play around with the brightness and exposure. It usually depends on the picture for the amount you choose to apply of each. It’s like makeup ladies, the amount depends on the occasion.

the before

This is for "levels" in Photoshop.

sometimes you just gotta place a poster board in the middle of your kitchen to get the best light (even if it makes your dad mad because "you have an entire basement and and an office to do your work")

the after!

So there you have it! It’s pretty simple, but it did take me forever to figure it out. Taking styled pictures on a white background isn't always a piece of cake, but once you learn the process and practice you'll figure it out! Sometimes I just can’t get it so I start the whole process over with different natural light. I swear, the amount of natural light (or time of day) can completely screw you over or help you out.

Please let me know if this helped you out! I’d love to see your white background photos so tag us in your photo on social media (@popcosmo).

xox, Chloe

@popcosmo on Instagram

Teen Blogger Showcase

Earlier this month I attended Smart Girls Summit and had the amazing opportunity to meet some fabulous bloggers that are my age. One of the girls that I met was absolutely adorable and as sweet as can be so I decided to interview her for our Teen Blogger Showcase series. Meet Sammy. Like I said, Sammy is a sweetheart. She’s incredibly fashionable (duh, she has a fashion blog) and her Instagram game is always on point. Be sure to follow her blog and her Instagram, you won’t be sorry! xox, Chloe

Getting Fit + An Embarrassing Story

Who’s getting fit? I am. A little known fact about me is that I used to do triathlons. In fact, at 13 years old I became the youngest finisher of the New York City Triathlon. Another little known fact about me is that the reason I first got into the blogging world is through triathlons; I used to blog about every race and event that I competed in. What I’m trying to say is that I used to be fit and strong. Now I want to be as fit and strong as I was when I was thirteen (it’s crazy to think that I was thirteen five whole years ago — it seems like yesterday). Anyway, in New York I walked at least six miles everyday. And it felt great. Walking, for me, was a way to transition myself back into the fit lifestyle. Now that I’m home, and not in the walkable NYC anymore, I just want to go out and run and take group fitness classes all day long. So I have been. GO ME.

As most of you know (or should know) I can’t go out into public without somehow embarrassing myself. So I have a funny story for ya today…

Yesterday I took a circuit class with my mom and it was a fabulous workout. I’m so sore today which is great. Unfortunately my eye is a little sore too which is not so great. Insert story here:

The circuits of the class were rowing machines (I was on my high school’s crew team freshman year, sophomore year, and sophomore  year round two so that was no big deal for me), kettle bells, yoga mats for ab exercises, benches for dips, and resistance bands.

The first circuit that I started with yesterday was the resistance band thing. My mom and I were the only two in our circuit because everyone else in the class had spread out. Since I’m no pro when it comes to resistance bands, I (of course) picked up the one that is the hardest. I went to put my foot down so that I could do the proper arm lift-y things. Then…. the band snapped. And hit me. In the face. On the eye.

At first I was kind of stunned at what just happened. I mean A GIANT RUBBER BAND JUST SNAPPED ME IN THE EYE. Then I realized that that’s not supposed to happen. My mom of course witnessed the whole thing and was dying laughing. Then I started laughing and crying at the same time (because it really hurt but was really funny at the same time). So I now have a bruise around my eye (it’s not a black eye, fortunately).

Note to self: when starting a new workout class, start with the circuit that you actually know how to do.

Here’s how the class went as told by GIFs (btw I don’t care if you pronounce it with a g or a j, I’ll be your friend either way)…

Me walking into the class ready to rock it.

When my mom tells me we should start with resistance bands.

Then trying to figure out which band to use.

Attempting to look fit with the chosen resistance band

My mom’s reaction when the band snaps my face

My reaction + some giggles

After I got over the initial shock and actually realized what just happend

Then realizing that I just gotta be me.

I'm probably not the only person who's ever been snapped in the face with a resistance band, right? Wait... don't answer that.

I hope you enjoyed this post, it's a little different from the normal posts, but it's the real me. So like it or leave it ;)

xox, Chloe

Inspiring Pins

It’s a good thing I’m a blogger so that I can call my obsessive pinning “work.” I honestly think that I pin 100+ new things a day. I’m addicted. I was definitely one of those kids that collected magazines just so that on a rainy day I could cut out  pictures and  typography so that I could make mood boards. I think that’s why I have such a serious addiction to Pinterest. It’s just that pretty pictures make my heart beat fast. I’ve decided to create a little roundup of a few of my favorite inspiring pins that have recently caught my eye. If you’re needing some inspiration, then we’ve got you covered. These pictures are almost too perfect (kidding, there’s no such thing).

Instagram Life Vs. Real Life (this pin hit the nail on the head)

I’m OBSESSED with her outfit. It’s super stylish and looks amazingly comfortable at the same time. gimme

Peach pie is my all time favorite summer dessert, and this one looks indescribably delicious.

Someone please buy me a one way ticket to the nearest beach. 

I’m not a cat purrson, but this cutie has me by my heartstrings.

If you like these inspiring pins, then be sure to follow us! Like I said before, I'm an obsessive pinner. You will always have something inspiring to look at on Pinterest if you follow us, and that's a promise!

xox Chloe

Five Things I learned as a New York City intern

 

picture via

hey, hey, hey!

Long time no talk, am I right? Well I'm back at it. Finally. Being a New York City intern is exhausting (and super amazing, educational, and fun at the same time) and I didn't have any time to blog. I'm writing this while sitting on my airplane on my way home from my month long adventure in New York City and I don't even know what to think. I had so much fun, got a little homesick, worked hard, and spent way too much money at way too many coffee shops.  And I learned a lot too. I decided that I should share a list of what I learned during the month of living on my own without my mom, dad, and brother.

Are ya ready?

If yes, then yay.

If not, then go grab a trendy coffee.

ONE: New Yorkers really do wear all black. It's like there's a constant funeral occurring in the city. I have to admit, I started dressing like a New Yorker and found that all black is awesome. Especially if a waiter/waitress spills your lunch all over you. Or if there's a random rain shower (I'd rather not be a part of a wet t-shirt contest, thank you). Or if you get really sunburnt and want to look less like a lobster and more like a chic upper east sider. Or if you're so tired and don't want to have to worry about what to wear to work. All of these lessons were learned from experience, mind you. Plus, if you wear all black then everything in your closet automatically matches.

All black is basically a win, win, win, win, win (etc.) situation. Yep, Mom, you were right.

TWO: New Yorkers abbreviate everything. Lulu Lemon is just Lulu.  Bed, Bath, and Beyond? It's just Bed Bath. The word dinner is just "din." And don't even bother saying definitely, totally, ridiculous and amazing in their entirety. They are simply, def, totes, ridic and amaze.

THREE: Soul Cycle is as amazing as people say it is. Thankfully I didn't try a class until my last day otherwise I would have blown my entire life savings on a spin class every night. Think dark rooms, screaming instructors, getting extremely sweaty, and loud music. Now that I type that it doesn't sound as appealing, but trust me, it was fab (see, I'm so New York).

FOUR: Food is really expensive. I thought that I would be totally fine with the amount of money that I brought along for my trip, but I was wrong. Fancy restaurants in Kentucky have meals that are anywhere from $12-$25. In New York City, a casual restaurant is the same, if not more expensive. It’s insane. But, all the food is so yummy. And the bagels really are better.

FIVE: New York City is the most inspiring place. I know you’ve probably heard it before, and you’re going to hear it again, but NYC is a place where motivated people make their dreams happen. Everyone has a twinkle in their eye and a pep in their step and it makes it that more fun to be a part of such an inspiring and motivated environment. I can definitely see myself getting my first job in the city after college.

So there ya go, five things I learned while in New York. I know they aren’t that crazy original, but whatevs. I hope you’re having a great summer, and if you have anything that you’ve learned this past month and feel the need to share it with me, then please comment below!!

xox Chloe

How #vamping makes me smarter

So my new word of the week is #vamping. The New York Times says my teens are doing it (although I swear they are not). I do it occasionally. My husband never does it. Ever.

No, #vamping is not the '90's definition of being a little ostentatious, but rather pulling an all-nighter hanging out on-line and, in my case, ending up somewhere very, very distant from where I started. As I was reading the NY Times article about what teens are doing, I realized that not much has changed since when I was a teen. I felt the need to read the article since I have 2 teens so I need to know what they are up to in case I'm missing something when I'm busy, uh... #vamping. But I'm not. It's the same idea of "get off the phone" except now they need to stop texting, or "stop reading and go to bed" which hasn't changed, except add that kids now need to stop watching videos, tv, Snapchatting, scrolling through Instagram, etc.

The difference: life is digital, but isn't it somewhat similar?  But what I didn't realize until I started writing this, was that I do learn some things when I #vamp late at night, which I'm sharing below with you. Maybe they are actually learning something of value too. A mom can only hope.

• I am guilty of #5, and thought I was being considerate! 5 Things Not to Say (or Do) at the Farmer's Market via The Kitchn
• I can do my dry-cleaning at home (not with Dryel) with this cool machine!
• I now know why my phone battery is draining so quickly! Facebook is at it again... but this quick fix in my settings solves it
• I can organize my home with 10 cheap, easy hacks. via Real Simple
• That stunning guy who landed in jail for gang related charges (you know, blue eyes?) actually got an agent via Racked
• Ellen is starting a lifestyle brand with Chris Burch backing her. Yes, that Ellen. Yes, that Chris Burch of C. Wonder. via WWD
• These mod horsebit boots are everywhere in every incarnation (python, calf hair, tall ankle boot, bootie, knee boot....). I see '60's.

So that's where my brain goes... from healthy to practical to ridiculous to, you guessed it, shopping.

How about you... do you ever #vamp or just get distracted while browsing?

xo ~kim

A fierce makeover show is about to be B.O.R.N.

The better you know me, the more you know I love my reality tv. Classy reality tv, which I do not believe is an oxymoron, is my favorite - you know the kind you watch and think: I should get in shape and run a 10K next week, or learn to sew so I can whip up a dress made out of crushed soda cans and hula hoops, or start a wedding cake business. The reality tv that makes me think, "why am I sitting on this couch when I could be doing something useful?" And something I've always wanted to be was a stylist. Combine fashion, giving my opinion, and making people look better? Count me in!! So a show about a bunch of lovable couple of guys and a gal living my dream is going to be high on my list, especially when it's premiering on the new network, FYI (FYI = for your imagination, innovation, and inspiration). My kind of network.

And B.O.R.N. to Style is my kind of show!  B.O.R.N. to Style premieres Tuesday, 7/15 @10p EST, on FYI Network. I'm hoping Chloe even has a chance to stop by the B.O.R.N. shop in Harlem while in NYC and meet Jonathan Bodrick, the storeowner and a definite fashion maven, or any of the other stylists: Brandon Hood, JJ Langan, Kristen Brown, Terry Artis or Devin Stokes.  I can't wait to see who ends up being my favorite, but Jonathan has some standout style -- that's him in the front with the gold sneakers and the hat that would make Pharrell happy. And did I mention that this show looks like it is all about happy and inspirational? Check it out:

How about you... any tv shows you are catching up on this summer or any recommendations for me? Will you be watching B.O.R.N. to Style? Even the tagline to "B.O.R.N. to Style: Your Makeover Needs a Makeover" has me excited!

xo ~kim

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by FYI Network through their partnership with POPSUGAR Select. While I was compensated to write a post about B.O.R.N. to Style, all opinions are my own.

NYC Coffee Shops

If you follow us on Instagram (which if you aren’t then you totes should @popcosmo) then you know that I’m basically taking a coffee shop tour of NYC. I frequently find myself going to coffee shop after coffee shop if I have a few minutes to kill or need to charge up my phone. The good news is that there are loads of trendy coffee shops here. Loads. Like one on every few corners. When I met up with blog friends Sloane and Gracey for our photo excursion we stumbled upon one called Blue Stone Lane Coffee. It. Was. Amazing.

Just walking into the coffee shop we knew we would have our Instgrams covered for the rest of the summer. There were just so many pretty little details and the shop was huge! Funny story though, I don’t drink caffeine and I ordered an iced decaf latte. Apparently in New York if you don’t drink caffeine then you are an alien that should be shunned because almost every single barista in the place was making fun of me. They were nice enough to actually serve me a decaf latte though, so points for them.

If you ever find yourself in New York City, or in the West Village specifically, then you must visit Blue Stone Lane! It’s gorgeous and everything you could ever want in a coffee shop.

xox ~chloe

 Do you have any trendy coffee shop recommendations for me while I’m here?

Humans of New York: my 1 degree of separation

I know New York is all I’ve been talking about lately, and this post is no different, but I just wanted to pop in a tell y’all a little story. But first of all, for those of you wondering, my internship is going so well. Like I can’t wait to go to work in the mornings fun. I’ve been busy taking product pictures, editing product pictures, organizing, and, of course, steaming drapes, pillowcases, etc. But it’s all fun and I really feel like my hard work is helping the company so I'm contributing too.

via HONY

Anyway, I’ve been walking home from work on most days (which is about 30-ish blocks). I absolutely love walking because it’s so fun to be a part of the New York City rush, plus I really love people watching while I’m walking. A few days ago I was walking through Times Square (with thousands of people) and I saw this dude with a huge mohawk wearing all black clothes. We were walking together for a while and even though he looked super dark and at first honestly kind of intimidating, he was dancing to the music from his iPod and he just seemed like an overall nice person because he smiled and chatted with anyone who remarked on his hair. He was so interesting because of the juxtaposition between his outfit and hair vs. the personality he was emitting.

On my "wish list" this summer is to see Brandon from Humans of New York. I envy how he is able to show another side of people that we normally would never be able to see or even understand. While I haven’t seen Brandon yet, I was browsing Humans of New York last night and I came across the mohawk dude’s picture. Turns out, I saw the mohawk dude the exact same day that his picture was taken and featured. I was SO excited when I saw his photograph and learned a little more about his story. So instead of trying to figure out my 6 degrees of separation, I now have 1 degree of separation since I was walking side by side with the mohawk dude. Well, at least that's how I see it. How cool is that?

They say New York is huge, but I’m learning that it really is just a tiny island.

xox, chloe

Do you read and like Humans of New York?

10 Reasons to Love Denver

Ok, so I just got here... and Chloe isn't even here yet. But seriously, Denver is like a puppy: it just begs to be loved. You can't see it or experience it without falling in love with it. My newbie impressions have me madly in love with my new town and may explain why, despite a less than stellar move, I haven't lost my patience yet. I haven't yet had a chance to explore new dining or take any excursions, so I'm surprised how easily I was able to jot these down and come up with my top 10 reasons to love Denver (so far):

1. It's always sunny. Well, almost, except for an afternoon sun shower or when it hails. But then it's sunny and dry again right away.

2. Despite the sun, it's not too hot. But if it is, just find a shady spot and you can actually cool off. Why? because...

3. There's no humidity. My Alabama family needs to visit to experience this.

4. Everyone is happy and friendly. I'm serious. I haven't met a rude person yet. I know I will (I'm not naive and we ALL have bad days, but the ratio of rude to polite is strikingly low).

5. Everyone is attractive. Not that I'm looking, but beauty comes from within + everyone is happy => everyone is beautiful, right?

6. If you don't believe #5 then trust me when I say that everyone is fit. 'Cause they are. Well, I think the state average is, at my guesstimate, probably at 90%. But it must be newcomers like me who make up that 10% and I will be changing my fit party soon.

7. People don't talk about biking to work or for pleasure... they just do it! My son and I joined goodnessknows for Bike to Work Day and had a blast and even made 2 new friends: Kerrigan and Suzanne. Denver B-cycles are everywhere in Denver and people use them. The ride we took at 6:30 this morning to celebrate #BiketoWorkDay was packed with us and commuters. And thanks to goodnessknows, a new snack bar, I had a very healthy treat... chocolate, cranberries and almonds. Yum!

Olympic Skier Bobby Brown Photo by Jack Dempsey/Invision for goodnessknows/AP Images

8. Everyone is outdoors either gardening, biking, running, drinking coffee.... Well, why not?! You don't sweat, you aren't hot, and...

9. I haven't seen a mosquito. Not one.

10. And my main reason to love Denver: my hair is frizz-free. I can not over-emphasize the importance of this having grown up in Alabama and fighting frizz my entire life. Welcome to hair-freedom.

Denver is bliss and there are certainly more than 10 reasons to love Denver, so if you know Colorado better than I do, tell me what you like about the area and I'll can be sure to explore it!

xo ~kim

Take a break with Ok Go

First of all, I'm sorry (it's Kim, here). I've been absent - it's been weeks since I've checked in - and I apologize for not keeping up with y'all. I've got a fabulous excuse though: packing up our Louisville home, saying goodbyes to family and friends, driving cross-country, waiting forever for internet hookup, and now slowly, while not so surely as I stare down boxes daring them to unpack & organize themselves, settling into our home in Denver. All while Chloe is enjoying her glam lifestyle in New York at Dormify (lucky gal).

But I took a break tonight to watch Almost Royal on BBC America (hysterical), catch up on some emails, and be entertained with my son by videos on YouTube. The stunning creativity of OK Go once again caught my eye and I just had to share it with you. Be prepared to be amazed... and keep in mind this was shot in a single take. Just... whoa! Once again, OK Go simply astounds with their visuals, so enjoy!

And if you are in or around the Denver area, let me know! Hope you are having a nice summer and we'll be back soon with our regular blogging schedule... promise!

xo ~kim

New York (internship) is always a good idea

Whew! I just started my internship for Dormify a few days ago and it’s been a whirlwind of excitement, nerves, and new experiences. When I got the news in April that I had been accepted for the internship I was amazed, and knew that it would be a great experience. I was 90% excited and 10% nervous about things like figuring out how to get to work (I've visited New York, but never lived here!), how many people would I be working with, what would I do all day, where were the other interns from, and... could I really do this??

Well, I'm happy to say that all my questions are answered and that even though I just started, I am already obsessed with the whole company. It’s girls only (#girlboss) so the work environment is more fun than I could have imagined. Think great music blasting, chatting about which color and style RayBans are the best, and talking all things creative. Really, it’s that fun.

But, like any job, it is a lot of work, which I love. On the first day I was busy from 10am until 7pm. I spent half of the day researching for upcoming projects and then the other half of the day styling and shooting new products for a super cute desk setting. There’s a sneak peek on Instagram, so be sure to follow us (@popcosmo).

One thing that I was most nervous about my internship was, of course, what to wear. I definitely love more simple and casual clothes, so I’m happy to report that jeans and cute tees are 100% welcome in my office. Woo! I didn’t actually bring that many clothes because I wanted to see what the other girls wore in the office and then go shopping. I mean hello, how could I not go on a major shopping spree while in NYC?

I’ll keep you posted on the internship, but be sure to follow us on Instagram for behind the scenes fun!

What are your summer plans? Are you interning, if so, where?

xox, Chloe

Flirting 101

“Beeennnd… & snap!” “Bat your eyelashes.”

“Touch him. A lot.”

“Talk sports.”

“Ask him about himself.”

These are just some of the pieces of advice I’ve received about flirting. But I’m not very good about putting them into practice. Why? Well, online I might come across as a typical teenage girl. However, that couldn't be further from the truth in more ways than one, because you should know I’m awkward and weird. I like to think that I’m awkward and weird in the most adork-able way possible — Zooey Deschanel style. With my adork-able personality comes the complete inability to flirt with guys. I’m 110% incapable and it would probably make you uncomfortable to watch me try. It even makes me uncomfortable to try.

So anyways, earlier this week I walked over to a nearby coffee shop to buy my mom and I some coffees. I frequent this coffee shop pretty often because it’s so close to my house, but I rarely go alone. I managed to buy our coffees without any problems, so props to me and pats on the back.

As I was waiting for my coffee I looked up and saw a super cute guy looking at me from across the coffee shop. He looked two or three years older and I felt like he was kind of staring at me in a “do I know her, wait I think I know her, no, I don’t think I know her” kind of way. When I noticed he was looking at me though, I glanced down (because maintaining eye contact with super cute guys is impossible for me.) I thought “whatever” and brushed it off. I figured he was probably staring at the artwork behind me or another girl beside me.

But as I was walking out of the coffee shop he appeared beside me and said, “Don’t I know you from somewhere?”

I mumbled, “I don’t think so…” and then I giggled (yes, giggled) because he was talking to me. I probably turned bright red too, because that’s the adorkable thing I do when cute boys talk to me.

Then he asked, “Didn’t you go to The Temple?”

Instead of just answering, all I could do was think, “wow, this super cute guy knows me, is talking to me, and is actually really handsome. How have I never noticed him at Temple before?”

So what do I do? I not so smoothly said, “Oh, yeah. Well it was good to see you!” And then I promptly left the coffee shop. Because I’m a flirting prodigy, and clearly know my way around talking to boys. I cringed the whole way home and now have a coffee shop to avoid.

Entering the house, I told my mom what happened hoping for some sympathy. She laughed. She knows how bad I am at talking to boys and she even said I should bring my laptop back to the coffee shop and try to actually flirt with him. (Which led a mini-course in Flirting 101 – can this day get any more awkward?!!) But I’m too much of a wimp to do that so I’m typing this in my room by myself… because I’m cool like that.

So yeah, I’m 18 and am getting flirting tips from movies, friends and family. I like to think it’s because boys are intimidated by how similar I look to Heidi Klum, but I have a feeling that’s not the case.

If you have awkward stories involving guys, dating, etc, please tell me in the comments so I can feel better about myself. ;) Or hey, want to offer any flirting tips? I’m adding to the collection!

Creative Classes online

Summer's here which means: No. More. School. So why am I so excited to start learning? Because now I can learn exactly what I want! Say what? That's right... I'm ready to start taking even more classes in all things creative. You know, those skills that aren't taught in school,  I'm looking at some creative classes online in photography, calligraphy, some more blogging skills, in-depth photoshop, and... well, I could just keep going. But there are classes for just about anything. I'm interested in more photography and photoshop and my mom wants to learn about coding, and basic DSLR cameras, and maybe even knitting. I'll let her tell you more about creative classes online. Let's get crafting!

CreativeLive has free live classes in photo & video, art & design, music & audio, craft & maker, money & life. Yeah, so just about everything! I've watched classes on dog photography, but I think I need beginner DSLR classes first. Chloe's interested in Advanced Lightroom and thinks posing and video sound fun too! What I like is that if you miss the classes, or you want to rematch them, you can pay a fee and have them forever. Perfect for bloggers are the graphic design class and a class for redesigning your blog

Lifehacker is a website that has some amazing tips. Simply search photography and you'll get some fantastic ideas and tips. They also have some information about classes occasionally. So, it's not a class or school, but there's always something useful.

Alt on Topic - most of you have hear of Alt Summit, a creative blog conference. While you may not have attended, you can attend classes online. About 1x per month, there are online blogging classes from blogging experts and social media gurus. The classes run all day and could be a quick fix to pick up a lot of info you would get at a conference. There's a cost... but hey, there's no airfare or hotel fees!

Infinite Skills - I like how you join and can learn any area you want for the time period. There is such a diverse range of topics from graphic design, web design, video editing, training in all the Adobe suite, to learning Excel.  You join per month, and have unlimited access to every video in all categories available. I've tried a course and enjoy how the videos are broken down into very small chunks of time.

Skillshare has classes in branding, digital illustration, digital photography entrepreneurship, fashion design, and Chloe's favorite: lettering! She's taken Calligraphy, Lettering for Designers, & Drawing Techniques for Pencil Portraits. I took the Basics of Photoshop. My recommendation as to whether or not the class will be good is to look at the approval rating and the number of students who have taken it.

Craftsy is more arts oriented and looks like you would be going to arts and crafts camp online. There are a ton of classes in knitting, quilting, cake decorating and even photography, jewelry making and paper crafts. I haven't taken any here, but this looks like a fun way to learn a new craft skill. This would be perfect for me to pick up knitting, but also for any day when someone, later this summer, dares to utter the dreaded, "I'm bored." There are a zillion solutions right here for everyone in our family!!

I'm ready for a free afternoon to take new creative classes online and gain a new skill or just try something different and fun... and with all the options literally at our fingertips, anything is possible!

Let me know if I missed one of your favorite places to learn online!