Chelsea, author of Two Twenty One, is a millennial wife and mom living in Indianapolis, Indiana. Created in February of 2011, Two Twenty One, a creative living blog, features room makeovers, DIY projects, home & seasonal decor, crafts, organization projects & ideas, recipes, travel, home improvement projects, gardening, gift guides, lifestyle topics, and car care & maintenance.
• I’m 5’10”, which is why I may look like a giant standing next to others in photos.
• I’m a sarcastic/humorous person. That often comes through in my posts. If you don’t care for sarcastic people or you have a difficult time reading sarcasm you probably won’t care for me or this blog. You’ve been warned.
• I have naturally curly hair. Sometimes people will walk up to me and ask to touch it. If they appear to be trustworthy, I oblige.
• Much of my creativity was developed during my 13 years in 4-H. My projects of choice were cake decorating, photography, foods, tin punch, recycled articles, and flower arranging. I get the rest of my creativity from my mom.
• I grew up in a small, Mayberry-esque town in Northwest Indiana. Michiana, represent.
Interested in how I got into blogging? Read my story here!
Want to know what I sound like? You know you do. Listen to my podcast!
That’s my husband, Brad, and I K-I-S-S-I-N-G in some trees.
We met and began dating in 2005 while attending Indiana University. Go Hoosiers!
He was in a fraternity. I was in a sorority– Phi Mu♥.
Ours paths crossed because of our ‘Greekness’, and the rest is history!
We married on June 25, 2011 after five and a half years together.
You can read about our wedding and see the photos here:
Before the Ceremony
Ceremony
Reception
The Details
In February, 2014, I announced my pregnancy. You can read all things pregnancy related here.
In March, 2014, I announced that we were expecting a baby boy. Read all about our gender reveal party here.
And in August, 2014 we welcomed our little guy, Owen, into the world. You can read all things baby here.
We also have a 9 year old puggle mix/mutt named Jack. We got him from an animal shelter when he was a pup.
In June, 2009, we bought our first home in Indianapolis. We’re attempting to make it a little less cookie cutter and a lot more awesome. Read about our house by clicking here.
Jenny says
June 6, 2013 at 3:07 PMI stumbled upon your website thru Pinterest and saw something about Niles Michigan. I too am from Michiana….born and raised! It’s a small world. I currently live in Columbus Ohio…..every once in awhile I get home sick.
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
June 10, 2013 at 12:19 PMHey, Jenny! So glad you found me– I love running into Michiana people. I hear ya on the homesick thing. Every time I go back home I mandate a trip to New Buffalo to get ice cream at Oinks, followed by a walk on the beach.
Jessica says
June 17, 2013 at 9:33 AMHow fun! I used to have a blog that played off our then-address which was 2222. Close to 2221. Excited to dive into your blog!
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
July 3, 2013 at 4:21 PMHah! Great minds think alike. Happy diving! 😉
Lusine says
June 30, 2013 at 7:11 PMHi Chelsea! I happened to find your blog through Pinterest and LOVE it! Your beautiful photos and entertaining writing make it such a pleasure to read…I have like 10 of your projects on my to do list.
I also love that you have a dog named Jack…because I too have a dog named Jack 🙂
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
July 3, 2013 at 4:20 PMThanks for finding me, Lusine! You’ll have to let me know how those projects go. And people with dogs named Jack are the best. 🙂
Pam Spaur says
July 11, 2013 at 11:09 AMHello fellow Hoosier. I am a transplant, originally from Baltimore. I currently reside in Muncie, but have lived in Indy, Fortville, Griffith, and Hammond…all Indiana towns. Love your blog. LOVE your pooch. Too cute. Wishing you much success in the future.
Sarah says
July 12, 2013 at 6:47 PMI just found out about your blog due to a guest post you did (and for the life of me can’t remember which – I follow like 100!). Love this about page – I hate the word “panties” too! That and “moisture”. Looking forward to getting know you through the blog as I am now following you too!
Ashley says
July 24, 2013 at 9:57 PMJust found your blog on Pinterest. I am from Elkhart. I love your site!
aliya says
August 8, 2013 at 10:11 PMLove the blog.
Fort Wayne here 😉
Laura @GnotP says
September 26, 2013 at 12:07 PMNo way! Another Hoosier Phi Mu Blogger?!! Stop on by and check us out – we are class of 2002/2003 (you may remember Em). Love the blog!
Suzanne Cartmill says
October 7, 2013 at 4:42 PMRecently found you blog and love it. What products do you use on your naturally curly hair? My stuff has changed and I am always searching for good “curl” products!
Thanks!
Lindsay says
October 10, 2013 at 10:04 AMHi Chelsea,
I just started blogging about 2 months ago and I’m so impressed by your posts, design, and stats! I also have an almost 9 month old boy so your day job sounds really interesting. I’ll start following your blog today!
Lindsay
O'Leary says
October 11, 2013 at 6:08 AMJust want to assist since you are hopefully read by hundreds…,please check your use of pronouns, i.e., “me, my, I.” In your post regarding your grandmother you mentioned “I’s.” There is no such thing.
Alli Stolper Hearne says
October 22, 2013 at 7:58 PMHi Chelsea – it’s Alli Stolper, we were in Phi Mu together! I love following your photos on Instagram and am constantly in awe of them. I am an aspiring blogger myself – do you have any tips or tricks for newbie photographers? What do you shoot with? Hope all is well!
Chelsea says
January 4, 2014 at 8:04 PMI just stumbled over here from iHeart Organizing, just wanted to say I love your blog, and congrats on getting married and the new house. Will visit often (the blog!) 🙂
p.s. The fact that you explained how to say your name leads me to believe that I am not the only Chelsea that has to correct people that say Chel-see-ah!
Maggie says
January 12, 2014 at 10:19 AMHi Chelsea! I’ve been following your blog for a little while now and love it! Really enjoy the projects and the layout as a (brand) newbie blogger myself. I just realized you’re a Hoosier!! ME TOO! Born and raised and was at IU from 2004-2008. Just wanted to say hi!
Kelly says
January 16, 2014 at 8:56 AMWow! Another Hoosier! I just stumbled on your site from Pinterest (packing a suitcase). I love your style and decorating ideas/theme. After browsing around and hitting on your About page, I was thrilled beyond belief that you are in Indy! Me too!! “Southside” (picture it sounding all ganglike)…Ha!!
Leelee says
February 4, 2014 at 6:32 PMI love sarcasm! 🙂
Amy Haywood Monroe says
February 16, 2014 at 4:16 PMHi Chelsea, I live in Indianapolis as well. I stumbled onto your blog when I googled “How to make curtains” . I love it. I will be following you…online that is. 🙂
Thanks for sharing your sweet home/and ideas with us.
Valarie Johnson says
February 16, 2014 at 5:37 PMWell…. I was scouring Pinterest for the right DIY dresser to TV stand and here you are! And, I believe it was fated as I am also in Indy (well Greenwood) to be exact;) Anyway… the dresser came today and as soon as I decide on a paint color for the living area, its next on the list! Keep posting I love your ideas! The jute monogram is on my list too;)
Angel says
March 7, 2014 at 12:43 AMwondering if you could post the links of the bloggers you met at Haven. I couldn’t quite catch the names when you were chatting. I loved the vlog and your posts. You totally say so many things I do. It was fun to watch.
MelodyofBeauty says
March 21, 2014 at 12:25 PMI would like to know what camera do you use? Pictures are perfect, as the whole blog.
Gloria says
March 23, 2014 at 11:27 AMHi Chelsea, I love your blog! I recently found you on Pinterest, as I was searching for sugar cookie recipes. I made your recipe and it was great! After a long hiatus, I just restarted my blog. And as my inaugural post, I made your cookies, with a few tweaks. I shaped them as flowers, but they came out a little funny looking. But they taste great! Thanks so much, keep up the great work!
Michelle says
March 31, 2014 at 4:31 PMI have an interest in flower arranging and cake decorating too! They’re definitely both something I want to try my hand in but I don’t have the time while I’m in architecture school. As you can see I’m big on design. Haha.
Shannon says
April 3, 2014 at 7:39 AMHi, I just came across your blog through Pinterest. I enjoy looking at home blogs and wanted to say that I really like yours so far because of how practical everything looks–some people’s houses are so full of decor that it’s hard for me to get any sort of inspiration! But yours is much more down my alley. 🙂 Speaking of alleys, I also notice you’re from not too far from me. I see you’re from “Michiana” (those of us on the other side of the border don’t use that term… ha! :P) and saw a post mentioning New Buffalo. I live up 94 a little bit more, in a small town a bit past St. Joseph. But anyway, thought that was neat. And maybe it really doesn’t have anything to do with alleys? 🙂
Dee Dee says
April 3, 2014 at 11:48 AMHi there,
Stumbled upon your blog today and I’m glad I did. Nice to know that there is someone else out there that gets what Goodwill is doing in the name of “charity” Thanks for not being afraid to publicly call them out!
Dee Dee
Lindsay says
April 5, 2014 at 9:14 AMI stumbled upon your blog on Pinterest and loved it! Started reading your about me and realized we’re from the same state and I was in Phi Mu at IUPUI and IU until I moved back home! I love your remodels and the way you decorate everything on a great budget! Can’t wait to reference your blog when I get my own place!!
Lindsey says
April 6, 2014 at 10:23 PMI came across your blog today to read your article on DSLR newbie tips and tricks, and then cruised around a bit on the rest of your blog (love all the home inspiration!). I ended up here and see that you are originally from NW Indiana – same here! My husband and I both grew up in Valparaiso 🙂 (Shout out to all the other Hoosiers who commented above!) We recently moved from Indianapolis to Vancouver, WA and since I went from working full time to part time, I decided to start a blog. I’ve always wanted to write about food/home/crafting and my goal is to write a family cookbook – even if they are the only ones who buy it, LOL!
Anyway, enough rambling – thanks for the great article! Do stop by my blog if you’d like 🙂
Joni says
April 8, 2014 at 9:34 PMDarling website and thought I’d share a possible subject: taking care of naturally curly hair for us curlies.
Mellissa says
April 9, 2014 at 11:01 AMJust found you on Pinterest, then stalked your blog, FB, etc….I am a Hoosier too (from the region) who moved to South Bend (another Michiana-er) and just moved to Indy! So far, loving your posts-congrats on the baby! I’ve got 4 kids, so welcome to the other side 😉
Cindy says
April 17, 2014 at 2:48 PMI recently hopped over to your blog from iHeart Organizing. I am originally from IN (moved to NJ 2.5 years ago after getting married) and I was thrilled to find an IN blogger! I feel right at home reading your posts! Just wanted to say hello and congratulations on your baby boy on the way!
Kate Castagnola says
June 11, 2014 at 11:56 AMHi Chelsea!
My name is Kate and I am the marketing coordinator for private label wine brands at Delicato Family Vineyards. I love your idea of the cork candle holders! I wanted to do a FB post with a link to your website, so people at home can learn how to recycle their corks and make something neat! We like to get permission before posting, so I wanted to see if it would be okay to post your link? It will be for an upcoming brand we are launching called Black Hole, a juicy rich Napa Valley Cabernet. Thank you very much!
Emily says
July 21, 2014 at 11:06 AMHi. I had a question about your gallery wall. What size Katie Daisy print did you order? The love you do print specifically? I’m planning to make a trip to ikea this wkend and want to be sure I buy the right sized frame for the print you have on the gallery wall.
Thanks!
Christina Berry says
July 31, 2014 at 2:22 PMHello Chelsea! I just stumbled upon your site, and I’d love it if you’d stop by Indy Social Media Moms and become a member!
Have a great day!
tamara p says
August 14, 2014 at 12:18 PMI just happened upon your site due to Pinterest; I had noticed your broccoli salad I also make, quite often. (So, I
came to see if we had similar ingredients..ha!) Then, I noticed you were from Indy…we live in Bloomington.
I am also considering starting a blog/website and wondered if people would get my sarcasm, as well. 😉
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
January 21, 2015 at 11:16 PMTamara! Soooo 5+ months later and I’m just now seeing your comment. So sorry. You actually commented on my due date, and then two days later I was in labor so I hope you’ll forgive me. I’m super jealous that you live in Bloomington. My husband and I have talked about moving down there one day. You should start a blog! The world needs more sarcastic bloggers. 🙂
Brittany says
September 12, 2014 at 7:53 PMHi I came across your blog via p interest.. are you an early interventionist or do you specialize in any of the therapies? If so I’d love to chat or pick your brain!! Also. Congrats on your munchkin. .. nome for me yet, but only been married 2 years.
bit.ly says
September 20, 2014 at 6:42 PMI enjoy, lead to I discovered just what I used to be looking for.
You’ve ended my four day lengthy hunt! God Bless you man.
Have a nice day. Bye
aquaform says
October 18, 2014 at 9:59 PMI leave a leave a response when I especially enjoy a
post on a blog or if I have something to add to the conversation. Usually it is
triggered by the sincerness displayed in the post I looked at.
And on this article About – Two Twenty One. I was excited enough to create a leave a responsea response 😉 I do have 2
questions for you if it’s okay. Is it just me or does it seem like some of these responses look
like they are coming from brain dead folks? :
-P And, if you are writing on other online social sites, I would like to keep up with you.
Could you list every one of your social pages like your twitter feed,
Facebook page or linkedin profile?
Paola Quinones says
December 15, 2014 at 4:45 PMHi Chelsea,
I came across your website when I was looking on how to decorate paper mache boxes. You are EXTREMELY talented and I’m so grateful that I stumbled upon your site. I’m getting lots of ideas for my own wedding and looking forward to decorating my boxes! Thank you!
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
December 15, 2014 at 11:04 PMThanks, Paola!
Maria Lopez says
January 14, 2015 at 1:16 PMI just stumble with your post, and I really love how you write and how you make it really enjoyable for everyone. I also leave comments to your post, thank you for sharing wonderful ideas that everyone could use or do to improve their spaces and home.
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
January 21, 2015 at 11:12 PMThanks so much, Maria!
Bri says
January 17, 2015 at 1:02 AMI just stumbled on your blog through Pintrest. 4 hours later and no progress made on my homework (senior in University), and I’m obsessed! I’ve mentally bookmarked so many of your DIYs and home decor ideas I don’t know where I want to begin! You’re insanely creative and awesomely talented, and I love all your posts! I’ve signed up for the email notifications, obviously, and I can’t wait to keep reading on in the coming years when I get a house, wedding, and baby! Keep the ideas flowing!
-New Fan, Bri
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
January 21, 2015 at 11:12 PMThanks so much, Bri! Sorry to distract you from your homework, but I’m so glad you’ve found the blog and enjoy it!
TomCarlson says
May 16, 2015 at 5:15 AMHi There!
I am reaching out today about a $10k Media test buy that I am looking to execute across your site. Since this is a test, I need to speak to someone to go over details. Can someone please reach out to me to discuss? Might be easiest to set up a quick call so we can get you setup as soon as possible. I look forward to your thoughts!
Thank you,
Susie says
September 24, 2015 at 3:52 PMI recently saw the 3 tier piece that was on the kitchen counter. It looked to be galvanized piece with fruit in it. Can you tell me where you got it? I loved it.
Thank you.
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
September 24, 2015 at 10:17 PMHi Susie!
I link to a few tiered trays in this post: https://www.twotwentyone.net/new-kitchen-countertops/
Sarah says
September 28, 2015 at 12:39 PMHi,
I wanted to let you know that I have included your Monogram letter ideas in our top list of DIY craft ideas.
http://www.coolcrafts.com/monogram-letters-tutorials/
I would be honored if you checked it out and if you love it, feel free to share it on Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter.
Keep on crafting!
Celeste Uy says
October 1, 2015 at 2:59 AMSUBJECT: HolidayGiftBaskets.com Opportunity
Hello Twotwentyone.net Team,
I am trying to pass an opportunity to your Business Development or Marketing team. This was the best contact I was able to find. Can you point me in the right direction please?
We recently had a customer default on the premium domain name HolidayGiftBaskets.com and we thought your team may have some interest in owning this domain.
Emmaree says
January 13, 2016 at 8:51 PMHi! I’m from the Philippines. I came across your blog through Pinterest. I read your posts about home improvement, pregnancy and the d.i.y’s, and I love reading all of them 🙂 I am planning to do some home makeover for my new home. I keep your tips in handy 😉 I hope you still keep your blog up to date. xoxo – Maree
Tricia S. says
February 18, 2016 at 10:49 PMHi Chelsea: I noticed all your packing tips on your website. I would like to share my product with your readers. This jewelry case is designed to keep your fine jewelry separate and apart from the others; not only necklaces, but also rings, small watches and bracelets can be inserted in the specially-designed insert. Please check out our website: FastenYourChains.com just launched in December. There is a video demonstration and other pictures to check out. I would love to perhaps link up on your site, if so interested. Thanks, Tricia @ FYC
Maria Sotelo says
February 26, 2016 at 11:16 AMHello Chelsea: I am from Lima-Perú! I received your last post from bloglovin and I am fascinated with all your written style and how you do more simple the things in home.
Very lucky for you!!!
[email protected] says
March 14, 2016 at 10:16 PMI love reading your blog and try to comment on your Facebook posts when possible to make sure others see it too.
We would love to have you link up to our Saturday Sharing Link Up each week at Treasured Tidbits (dot) com.
Shana says
March 19, 2016 at 4:37 PMHi Chelsea! I just discovered your blog and I’m so happy I did. I am expecting our first baby in about 6 weeks and I have just been reading the crap out of all of your baby and pregnancy posts! I’m sure once I get some time I will get on top of the house and craft and cooking posts too! Thank you for blogging! ~Shana
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
March 20, 2016 at 2:10 PMHey, Shana! Congrats! I’m so glad that you’ve found my posts to be helpful. Comments like yours seriously make my day! Wishing you a quick and healthy delivery!
Linda says
March 20, 2016 at 8:14 AMLoved your packing tips. You commented that your curly hair is high maintenance and you pack a brush, throw the brush away, never brush curly hair !! Goole Curly Girl best book ever…
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
March 20, 2016 at 2:06 PMThanks, Linda! I do have naturally curly hair, but it can be easily straightened with a round brush and blow dryer and no flat iron. I only brush it when it’s wet out of the shower, if I don’t it gets really tangled and the curls don’t form like I want them too.
Donna says
May 7, 2016 at 8:13 AMI just found you blog through Bloglovin’ and I am really enjoying it. I love all the info you are sharing and so far the peonies are my favorite! Thanks for sharing!
Tiffany says
June 12, 2016 at 7:33 AMHi Chelsea-
So glad I came across your blog through Pinterest. I just started my own blog (very very amateur!) I loved reading how you got started as it gave me a lot of inspiration, and hope.
Tiffany
Nell says
September 13, 2016 at 5:49 AMHi Chelsea,
If you were a fruit which one would you be and why?
Nell 😀
PS: You’re blog is a fantastic read. It’s very easy to spend hours browsing through your posts.
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
September 18, 2016 at 12:30 PMHah! Thanks so much! I’m glad you like it. 🙂
Kathy Bacha says
September 18, 2016 at 12:23 PMI saw something on your site that is on etsy. I scrolled through several pages and cannot find the artist you have on your blog. Would you be able to tell me who that is? I like this persons style of drawing and want to get if for my daughter’s first wedding anniversary. Thanks. Here is what I am looking for. It is an illustration of a couple with their dog in the middle and their name is “The Bankstons”.
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
September 18, 2016 at 12:30 PMIs this it? https://www.twotwentyone.net/first-wedding-anniversary-gift-ideas-paper-gift-ideas/
Kandance says
February 28, 2018 at 10:51 PMHi Chelsea,
I loved this post!
Any ideas for us old folks? I need ideas for a sweet 20th anniversary gift for my husband.
Thanks!
Kandance
Emma Claire says
December 6, 2016 at 11:11 PMI found you on Pinterest. This is a great blog. The pictures are perfect, as the whole blog.
Thank you for your sharing :).
Lita Watson says
December 20, 2016 at 1:47 AMHonestly, i found this blog has potential to grow our partnership of cooking community. This is great opportunity and honor for me to write you a greeting.
Megan Ann says
April 28, 2017 at 1:16 AMThis is a great post. I like this topic. I found many interesting things from this site. Thanks for posting this again.
Yvette says
October 27, 2017 at 3:45 AMHi Chelsea! I just started to follow your blog, I love it! And may I just say that I love your pregnancy announcement picture? I wish I thought of that when we announced my pregnancy! Can’t wait to read more of you and your lovely family!