What a time to be a human being right now. Life has thrown us all into a weird, confusing, scary and emotional alternate dimension and I am completely lost as to where life will be after it's over with. Maybe because it might never be over with? There's so much unknown at this time and we're all trying to get through each day and I hope you're all staying safe and well. I also hope that you're trying to find some positive aspects of being quarantined, whether it's talking through a screen with loved ones, snail mail, going on walks with social distancing in mind or supporting small businesses around your area. I've been doing most all of this, however, I wanted to touch on the last aspect as it's something that is important to so many people's well being.

A lot of these companies are supporting their employees the best they can and are trying to go that extra step to retain financial stability. The best way, obviously, for consumers to support these businesses is to shop them, but I think they also truly appreciate shout-outs that their customers give. Since I am not financially able to spend money right now, I wanted to put together something a little more tangible for people to read through and to have the ability to give back to local brands that make the Twin Cities area what it is.

Here are just some local Twin Cities companies I wanted to highlight:

golden rule gallery: a beautiful shop in Excelsior, MN that features regional and national artwork, various gift ideas and a thoughtful owner. they've been hosting sales throughout the past few weeks to support artists in their gallery, giving gift cards out when you spend a certain amount. I truly admire this place and what it's doing for its employees and community right now.

runi.clay.studios: i have gotten to know Corin (owner) over the past several years and she is a kindred spirit. she has inspired me to pursue my passions, as she has turned herself into a jewelry maker extraordinaire located in Minneapolis, after being an insanely unique cookie creator. i truly recommend checking out her earrings as she puts her energy and talent into each pair.

sweet b design: need to see what your sign says during this time? you've got to pick up a custom birth chart filled with positive vibes from my friend, Brittany! in her St. Paul, MN workspace she creates items for your astrological needs, that are all hand-made with materials locally sourced and from small businesses. she also has a  Moon Gathering virtual event for the New Moon in Taurus, coming up on April 22, if you're interested. i'll be there!

spruce flowers: a beautiful floral shop in Minneapolis that is slowly becoming a favorite florist here. they create stunning bouquets that are organic and are giving back to the community by still creating designs to surprise and delight people. their team is pretty small, so they're able to work individually pretty easily to make sure that everyone is staying safe. i can't wait to get a spread from them soon.

lab mpls: creative agency based in Minneapolis that has made quarantine a little bit easier with fun templates, suggestions on where to support local businesses, and they also have free digital downloads right now that feature some gorgeous prints to decorate your space.

blncd: health and beauty company that offers CBD wellness products! 20% of all online sales donated to Meals on Wheels through 4/30!

thumbs cookies: literally the tiniest cookies that pack a delicious punch. i could eat a whole box in one sitting and you know what? i'd be extremely content doing so. they are giving back by offering a MN hero snack pack promotion that is $25 and feeds 8- 10 frontline workers here in MN. it's a fantastic way to give back to essential workers and a local business.

salt salon spa cafe: i adore this salon, it's fairly new here in Minneapolis and is an extremely relaxing experience. right now for their customers, when you purchase an online SALT gift card of $100, SALT will add $20. Purchase $200, they'll add $50 Purchase $300, they'll add $90.

carousel and folk: a gem of a small business featuring various vintage goods and all the house plants your heart could desire. Lindsey is the sweetest owner and i'm thrilled that she's getting so much recognition here. they are always open online!

moody hues floral: another favorite floral shop. delivering around the Twin Cities, as well as leaving flowers on your doorstep for a nice surprise. i love the thought of coming home or waking up to a fresh bouquet of flowers at my front door. such a thoughtful gesture too.

I would also recommend supporting local restaurants by doing curbside delivery, pick up or non-contact delivery. red cown mn, cafe latte, black sheep pizza, marc heu patisserie, glam doll donuts and so much more! However you are getting through this time, please know that you're not alone and that someone out there cares about you.

Today's Thursday Finds is all about being comfortable in your underwear, undergarments, lingerie - whatever you want to call it. Who doesn't love coming home from work and taking off all the layers to settle into something soft and cozy? Sometimes you may even feel a little, dare I say, sexy when shedding off your work clothes and slipping into something a little more revealing. Ooh lalala! I've rounded up a few cozy undergarments ideas to get you in the mood to lay in bed and feel relaxed. And because I've got your back, these are all budget-friendly and size inclusive!

hannalee unlined plus bra + underwear: I figured why not start with a matching bra and underwear set from AdoreMe to ease the transition from work clothes to something more intimate. The variety will make it easy to choose the color of your liking and the comfort-ability comes from no lining in the bra!

cotton skin bikini: These SKIMS cotton underwear are so comfortable and flattering. I couldn't believe it! Mostly because I have never found a pair of underwear that so simply fit my silhouette and the shape of my butt as nicely as these do. They lift and fit and leave no lines, so I'll definitely be wearing them a lot.

reversible seamless tank: This just screams luxe, mostly because it's from Anthorpologie, but I can't get enough of it and it's reversible! I'll take one in every color, please.

contrast embroidered mesh bralette: I'm pretty basic when it comes to bras, however, I do love adding a little color now and then. This bralette from AdditionElle is the perfect cut and has added support that won't be uncomfortable while wearing.

women's cotton hipster: FYI, these underwear are on super clearance and range in a variety of colors and patterns. I'd highly recommend grabbing as many as you can before they sell out.

See below for more options!

I worked really, REALLY hard to get to where I was at the beginning of 2019. I busted my ass to truly figure out where I wanted my future to go at the company I was working at, took the leap, and started working in a role that was essentially what I had been working towards since I graduated college. It was my dream career. Five months into the position, not even a real chance to show what I could do, it was snatched away from me. I'm not going to go into details with what happened, however, my life was flipped upside down. It felt like all the hard work I had done up to this point was for nothing, the belief in myself was shattered and I felt like I had no purpose anymore. Not to play the tiny violin on me though, because life moves on, doesn't it? As the trauma has moved further and further away from my present self, I've gained clarity from the people around me and am now looking to the future. I have now decided that the event doesn't define me anymore and I'm ready for a new adventure, a better one, that will lead me into even greater opportunities. This leads me into the first thing I'd like to do in 2020 - find a new job. Let's do it!

So... it's been a minute, hasn't it? Well I have very good reasons as to why it's been almost five months since my last update, I promise. The last half of 2018 was a serious game changer for me personally because I moved into my VERY first apartment. I simply had no time to find inspiration to update as I was overwhelmed with creating my place into something I could call a home. I found that I couldn't spread that inspiration into another area of my life, so there was none left to sit down and create an upload schedule. I sincerely apologize to anyone who may have been looking forward to the Mostly Lisa Holiday Gift Guide series. It saddens me to say this, however, I will no longer be doing that series in the future. It really no longer makes sense to do so and I hope everyone understands. That being said, I will still update occasionally when the mood strikes, like it has today!

The first post of 2019 (btw, Happy New Year's, everyone!) is something I am thrilled to share since it is part of my favorite series on this blog - My Style File - and it features this absolutely STUNNER of a dress from ModCloth. I came across it while looking for an outfit that would kill it at my work holiday party and it was one of the first things that caught my eye. While it was outside of my normal budget, I treated myself and have no regrets. When I first put the dress on, it made me feel like I had transported to Old Hollywood while attending a movie premier. The blue velvet is glamorous and the "kimono-style half sleeves, surplice bodice, and wrap-inspired skirt of this sashed gown will leave you feeling as though you've stepped into your own cinematic experience." 

The aesthetic of this dress also called for vintage T-strap heels that were easily found on Unique Vintage, a clutch from Torrid with stars adorned in glitter and these beautiful crystal embellished hair pins from Crown & Glory. With all of this put together, I was definitely ready to step into the spotlight.

My vision is complete!

There has been something about this summer. I can't quite put my finger on it, on what has changed and what has made these past few months so satisfying. Maybe it's that I'm actually content with life, at where I'm at and where I'm going and what I felt this time last year isn't relevant anymore. It just isn't relevant. What a pressure lifted. While I still hold some weight on my shoulders, probably always will, I have been able to enjoy things easier than I have in the past - like updating Mostly Lisa here and there, going on spontaneous adventures with friends and enjoying these luxurious summer nights driving with the windows down. Listening to Ella Vos, Exes, Bleachers. Singing and then talking back forth, especially about the perfect summer trends.

So many conversations in person and online about those trends. Since it is the end of the second week of August, I am trying to cram in one big trend of finding summer dresses to wear to work and on those adventures. Luckily, there have been many to choose from and I have only just scratched the surface of wearing and finding them. My last post included one of the finds, however, I had to talk about this black challis crochet maxi shirt dress from Torrid, which has easily become my favorite casual summer dress this year. The 3/4 length sleeves are perfect to keep the look casual and are my type of sleeve. I paired this look with the same boater hat and flats (yeah, I totally changed in the woods for this photoshoot) to tie it all together. Ugh, I love this summer and I do not want it to end. Who wants to be swept away with me into a romantic next few weeks? I'll be here waiting in my many dresses.