Hometown?
Lakeville, Minnesota

Favorite spot in the Twin Cities?
The Uptown Theater — I love going to the movies and this little theater holds lots of nice memories for me. Also, Loring Park in the summer with a blanket and a book.

Coffee, tea, or cocktail (and how do you take it)?
Black coffee in the morning from Spyhouse on Nicollet. In the evening anything with Aquavit at Tattersall Distillery.

In a few words, explain your style:
Scandinavian modern meets Japanese grandmother.

Any daily rituals?
Naps. I'd take one everyday if I could. I have two cats and we all love to curl up together for an hour or so in the afternoon.

One piece of advice you’ve taken to heart:
From the indomitable Special Agent Cooper of Twin Peaks, "Everyday, once a day, give yourself a present. Don't plan it, don't wait for it, just let it happen."

WISHLIST:
Building Block, Coin Dumpling; Rachel Comey, Dash Pullover; Samuji, Ardelia Trousers; Building Block, Box Bag; Maryam Nassir Zadeh, Chiara Sandal; Darner, Black Mesh Socks; Binu Binu, Super Natural Lip Conditioner; Skandinavisk, Hygge Scented Candle; Jesse Kamm, Sailor Pants.

Which is your favorite?
I find everything Building Block makes to be inspiring and the Box Bag is no exception. Every detail is purposeful, but the design still has something quirky to it.

Shop Megan's Wishlist Here.

RECIPE //

1.5 oz brandy
.5 oz sweet vermouth
.5 oz yellow beet syrup
.25 oz lemon
shake with ice
serve in a coupe
top with sparkling wine
garnish with grated nutmeg and a torched rosemary sprig

A New Year's Eve cocktail that elegantly combines the tart nature of sparkling wine with the earthy and course flavors of nutmeg and torched rosemary.

40 Winks is a phrase used to describe a short nap somewhere other than a bed. F. Scott Fitzgerald utilizes this phrase in his writings as a way to allow time to pass and find one's problem absolved on the other side of the 40 winks. "Just take forty winks, and when you wake up everything'll be fine."

"I like how 40 Winks suggests the passing of time in an action, a physical representation of progress, just like sips of a cocktail."

— Caylon Hackwith (creator of 40 Winks)

Hometown?
Saint Paul, MN. I am a dual British citizen (where my parents are from) so I’ve spent a lot of time in Oxford and Liverpool over the years. My father still lives in Oxford.

Favorite spot in the Twin Cities?
Nightingale in uptown Minneapolis. It’s an elegant, yet casual place to meet friends and relax. I also enjoy the Mia and Walker Art Center.

Coffee, tea, or cocktail (and how do you take it)?
Jasmine Green tea with lemon. I also enjoy a good Moscow mule in the wintertime.

In a few words, explain your style:
Simple, modern, classic. I used to be much more bold in my style choices, but over the years, I have come to simplify my wardrobe and really appreciate the quality of pieces, as opposed to the quantity.  

Any daily rituals?
Since I was young, we always had “tea time” at 4 o’clock after school every day. As a part of my English background, I find comfort in continuing this tradition, so every day I remember to take a break and have my own teatime, whether it be alone or with a friend.

One piece of advice you’ve taken to heart:
It’s not a specific quote or saying, but I’ve learned that it’s important not to worry about mistakes I’ve made in the past. I believe mistakes are made so we can learn from them, and to harness those experiences to focus on choices we make in the future.

WISHLIST:
Want Les Essentials De La Vie, Peretola Foldable Folio Black; Nomia, Slit Back Duster; Dasein, Winter Nights Fragrance; Maison Kitsune, Akiko Pant; Rachel Comey, Tux Pant; Studio Nicholson, Cornell Tunic; Nomia, Midi Pleated Skirt; Rachel Comey, Chan Flats; Grown Alchemist, Mandarin/Rosemary Body Cream.

Which is your favorite?
The Want Les Essentials De La Vie, Peretola Foldable Folio Black. It’s a simple, oversize tote which folds into a clutch and is made of beautiful, quality leather. It can easily translate from practical daywear to an oversized evening clutch.

Shop Kate's Wishlist Here.

Grim was the world and grey last night:
The moon and stars were fled,
The hall was dark without song or light,
The fires were fallen dead.
The wind in the trees was like to the sea,
And over the mountains’ teeth
It whistled bitter-cold and free,
As a sword leapt from its sheath.

The lord of snows upreared his head;
His mantle long and pale
Upon the bitter blast was spread
And hung o’er hill and dale.
The world was blind, the boughs were bent,
All ways and paths were wild:
Then the veil of cloud apart was rent,
And here was born a Child.

The ancient dome of heaven sheer
Was pricked with distant light;
A star came shining white and clear
Alone above the night.
In the dale of dark in that hour of birth
One voice on a sudden sang:
Then all the bells in Heaven and Earth
Together at midnight rang.

Mary sang in this world below:
They heard her song arise
O’er mist and over mountain snow
To the walls of Paradise,
And the tongue of many bells was stirred
in Heaven’s towers to ring
When the voice of mortal maid was heard,
That was mother of Heaven’s King.

Glad is the world and fair this night
With stars about its head,
And the hall is filled with laughter and light,
And fires are burning red.
The bells of Paradise now ring
With bells of Christendom,
And Gloria, Gloria we will sing
That God on earth is come.

Originally published in the 1936 Annual of Our Lady’s School, Abingdon, Tolkien’s “Noel” was unknown and unrecorded until scholars Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull discovered it while searching for another poem in June 2013.

Painting by Rachel Schultz

Hometown?
Maplewood, MN

Favorite spot in the Twin Cities?
Walking along Summit Ave. I love homes with character.

Coffee, tea, or cocktail (and how do you take it)?
Black tea with either almond milk or soy vanilla creamer.

In a few words, explain your style:
A true Minimalist in style and my life. I stick to a very neutral color palette. I hate clutter and having money sit in my closet. Everything has to have purpose!

Any daily rituals?
I start my day by making a cup of tea then heading back into bed and reading a book or listening to a podcast.

One piece of advice you've taken to heart:
Be happy with what you have while working for what you want.

WISHLIST:
Building Block Key Coil; EYTYS Mother Canvas Sneaker; DASEIN Winter Nights Fragrance; Grown Alchemist Mandarin/Rosemary Leaf Body Cream; Priory Mune Cardigan; Maison Kitsune Fancy Jogg Pant; Master & Dynamic MH30 Silver Headphones.

Which is your favorite?
The best looking key chain award goes to the Building Block Key Coil. The design is innovative and chic while being practical. I don't think I can ever lose my keys again!

Shop Sunshine's Wishlist Here.