Spring please come soon. Love, Sam

Today it snowed.  In two days it will be April.  These two sentences should not go together.  I have spring-fever, in a very big way.  However, I know it will come and be awesomely satisfying so for now I will just wait patiently and stare at pretty pictures that remind me of it. 

How beautiful are these sitting areas with the lush green views?

These butterfly collections make my heart pitter-patter



Images via coco kelley, la dolce vita, and this is glamorous

Trouser Jeans

I cannot tell you all how thankful I am that skinny jeans are eventually fading and larger leg jeans are coming back.  Now, I'm not saying that skinnies are out of style - because I don't think they are and won't be for at least a few years.. but, trouser jeans definitely seem to be making a comeback.

Images via they daybook and Derek Lam

Charlie the Mini Goldendoodle

Ever wondered what the cheesiest name for a breed of dog is?  In my opinion, it's a mini goldendoodle.  My poor husband who has to explain to all his macho work buddies that he owns one.. But, truth be told, we love him so much and could care less how silly his breed is.

Want to know how awesome he is?  Here's a quick rundown of his awesomeness.
 - He has the waviest, softest hair ever.  And since he has some poodle in him, he doesn't really shed and he's "hypoallergenic"
- He's super smart and lovable
- He learned how to ring a bell by the back door when he needs to go outside (thanks Amber!)
- Last week, he started "hugging"
- He's happy all the time and "smiles".  Honestly, I think it might be that he's just warm, but Brian is convinced.
- He thinks ice cubes are the best treats known to dog.  As soon as we walk over to the freezer door to get a glass of water/ice, he bolts from wherever he is, sits down like a gentleman, and waits in anticipation. 

This is him as a pup, as he was learning to shake.  Notice how his paw is about to lift up?

Sick..

I've come down with something.. probably in direct correlation to travel (throwing off my schedule, staying in a hotel room, etc.) and I'm so bummed about it.  We're just ramping up, and I want to be my peppery self.  I think working out and a bit of Vitamin C will hopefully do the trick.

Funny story that associates.  I went to dinner with my dad today (he's randomly in town also) and we had hibachi at this awesome place on the "south shore" <-- haha.  As dinner progressed, I could feel myself get sicker and sicker.  Well, I came into the hotel and found a little gift shop.  After asking the woman at the counter where I could find the medicine, she ushered me towards this couple that struck up a conversation about being sick.  Long story short, I bough DayQuil, she bought NyQuil, we split the packs and bid each other goodbye.  Isn't it neat and somewhat old-school to have such a charming little trade-off?  I love when two random strangers can just come together over something so random. 

I'll leave you with these images that speak to me during this sickness..

Images via pink wallpaper

Hotel Review: Renaissance Pittsburgh

I'm finally refreshed and relaxed after my trip to Pittsburgh last week.  I was so mentally and physically exhausted, I can't really explain it.. Much of it was due to a change in schedule for me, and much of it was due to the drive home.

Let me try and explain.. I came back home Wednesday night, just as the "severe thunderstorms" were progressing through Western Pennsylvania.  It was sort of a "take me now Jesus" type of moment for me, and while you probably think I'm exaggerating, I'm really not.  Every 5 minutes or so, an emergency message would come across on the radio alerting that a severe thunderstorm was in effect, with 60 mph winds, damaging hail and lightening.  There was also a tornado warning tagged onto the end of the message alerting to "take shelter if you are outside, or in a mobile home, etc.." well considering I was in a vehicle on the turnpike with no exits, I didn't know what to do.  Regardless, I'm getting off the point of this post, and I'm dragging on, so I'll end this topic with this - I made it home in one piece, and I'm thankful for that!

Back to what I was originally trying to write about.  I stayed at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Pittsburgh this past week, and it was quite enjoyable.  While not everyone appreciates the regal/over-the-top feel of the hotel, I liked it.  One reason might be that Brian and I were married in a Renaissance Hotel, and the other is probably because I like things that are old school (the adornments, the marble, the moldings, etc.) 

Here's a few pictures of the place since blogger isn't letting me add photos right now (side note, if anyone has any ideas why this is happening, please help!!)



Here's a short rundown of my thoughts.

Pros:

- Excellent Service.  I was greeted with a smile, and while this might be expected, that's not always the case.

- Amenities.  Aveda products were the staple, and I love me some rosemary mint shampoo :-)

- Good Iron.  I've stayed at a lot of places where the iron simply does not get out wrinkles.  This one did.

- Plenty of oranges.  Baskets of oranges in the lobby.  fresh and juicy.

- Comfortable comforter.  Enough said.

Cons:

While many will think these are all a nit, you have to realize that I'll be staying at a hotel, more than at my own home for the year, so of course I'm going to notice the small things.

- Small Pillow.  They only had two options: huge pillow, and teeny pillow.  It made my neck hurt.

- No trash can in the lobby.  I enjoyed my juicy orange, but then I had no place to throw it away, unless I went upstairs, outside, or asked someone.  Once again, probably a nit, but it's my blog ;)

- No fan in the bathroom.  While the mirror did defog quickly, I like to have a fan so that it doesn't get so steamy that I sweat while getting ready. 

All in all it was an awesome hotel, and I would definitely stay there again.  This week, I'm on to the Westin.  Will be back with a review in a few days! 

Images via NY Times and the examiner

Bedroom Inspiration

Truth be told, for a long while (probably almost a year?) after Brian and I got married, we slept on an old mattress that sat on the floor without a bedframe.  About a year later, we still sleep on that old mattress, but we've upgraded to a $15 bedframe.  This is because we've focused on the first floor of our home that people actually see when they come over.  But, almost 2 years into being married, I (and occasionally B) desperately want to have a quiet oasis to rest in each night.  After we finalize our office, the bedroom is the next project, and I seriously cannot wait. 

After I saw these images in an old Domino mag a few years back, I couldn't get them out of my mind.  I love the calm grey walls, the draperies hung from the ceiling, the chandelier, the comfortable linens, the french chair.. all of it. 

Since I'm sure we won't end up hanging draperies from the ceiling, I think I'll swap that out for a headboard/bed similar to these:

via horchow (while it has beautiful lines, it's probably a little too feminine for B)

via restoration hardware

via crate and barrel

Now the issue lies with how gosh darn expensive furniture is. We're always saving for the next piece of furniture we need, but unless we can find some great alternatives for less, we'll be saving for a nice long while...

Travel Business Cas. II

Now for a more attainable business casual look



1 - Postalco Notebooks  - Couldn't let these guys go.. I really like them still

2 - Jcrew Cardigan

3 - Mac Lipglass

4 - Jcrew Super 120's Dress - I have one from a few seasons ago and it's still my favorite little black dress

5 - Target Pumps - I'm guilty of loving target heels. 

6 - iPhone - need I say more?

7 - Essie Nail Polish - Can also find this at target usually

8 - Longchamp Tote 

For Japan with Love

As I was writing my last post about material things, I was hit hard with a sting of conviction to post about Japan.  My heart breaks for those people that have lost loved ones, their homes, any sense of security..

If you're looking for something you can do, visit for japan with love and you can donate. The money is going toward sending shelter boxes since so many are left without homes. Their goal was to raise $5,000 and they've raised over $50,000... This has all been done through spreading the word on blogs, so I would say it's working.  On March 18th they had a blog-land day of silence.  I don't think I had started blogging yet on this day, so I'll say I had a day of silence ;) But in all seriousness, I will be setting aside a good amount of time tonight to pray for them, that they would find even the slightest light of hope and peace amidst all of this destruction. 

Travel Business Cas. (said "Cazj)

5 days a week I have to dress up for work.  Being that my job requires me to be in front of clients most of these days, "dress up" is generally a more formal business casual. Also as I mentioned earlier in this post, I've been traveling lately and am set to travel for a good long while.

Anyways, I'm a girl, and what girl doesn't like to shop (at least window shop or surf the net - shop, right?) so I thought it would be fun to dream up a little concoction of travel + business casual + lots of money that I don't have.  Sound good?  I think I'll have to add in an inspiration board with some more budget friendly looks to, so we can at least be slightly satisfied. 

1 - Postalco Notebooks - I really really like these notebooks..and they're not that expensive, but still..

2 - Blazer - Love the look of the men's-type blazers, not sure I could pull of the look though

3 - Nars Lipstick - Awesome.

4 - Houndstooth Dress - Reminds me of Brooke from One Tree Hill

5 - Louboutin Pumps - A girl can dream, right?

6 - iPad  - Someday...

7 - Nail Polish - Love this stuff.

8 - Travelteq Trash Bag - This is my ultimate dream laptop bag.  Handmade in Italy. Bag by bag.

I'll be back later with a slightly more attainable look for less. 

B's Grammie

Brian's grandma makes delicious treats that look like the photo below.  She also makes and distributes hundreds of jams, pickles, and other tasty delicacies every year so that she can bless others.  Her and grandpa have a craft business and go to a few craft shows each month.  A few weekends ago, the lent Brian and I their SUV so that we could pick up our desk and drive it 10 hours.  They gave us an old vintage trunk - just because.  Get the picture of how awesome they are? 

Last Christmas, we found out that she was diagnosed with lung cancer.  I hate that terrible disease. 

She could really use your prayers.  She tells us stories of how others are praying for her, and how inspired she is by it.  She loves the Lord and it's radiates through her presence everyday. 

~~~~

In lighter news, I've found out since this blog's inception, that I truly enjoy it.  I enjoy having this as an outlet, and I hope you find something here that tickles your fancy. Let me know (i.e., comment below, friends) if you have any ideas how to enhance it, or make it more pleasing.  :-)

Images via I am Baker

I want to go to there

Back in 2007, I went on a trip to Europe with some classmates.  One of which was my best girlfriend, Katy.  I miss it terribly and want to go back.  These pictures make me dream of a time when we'll be back there again. 

Images via Kiss my Spatula and Laduree

Dinner in the Sky

Hi friends.  I'm sorry I don't have a lot of updates for you tonight. I'm not full of a lot of words of wisdom because I'm feeling pretty tired and fried from back to back meetings 7:00 AM until about 7:00 PM, so I'll keep this short.  I'm in Pittsburgh for the week and it's a pretty neat little city. I really appreciate the vibe and I'm enjoying the little nooks and crannies. 

We went to this restaurant tonight and it was delicious.  Had a lot of tapas and enjoyed the atmosphere with colleagues.

 In inspiring news, I found this place/thing (?)  today via another blog and it is ridiculous. Dinner in the Sky is a Belgian company that hosts dinner parties high above cities around the world. They hoist up the table with a giant crane, and three chefs cook an amazing meal. Pretty ridiculous, and it wowed me when I was exhausted, so it must be pretty cool.

Tomorrow

Tomorrow I start traveling for work full time.  While I've always "traveled" between clients (I work for a large professional services firm), it's mainly local travel around the Cleveland area and a few stints to other states. But, starting this week, I'll be traveling between Pittsburgh and New York City during the week, every week until December.  whew..

Now while I love traveling and staying at hotels (read: eating food made by other people, and not having to clean up after myself), I have no idea what the reality of this much travel will actually look like in my life and my family's. 

I'm going to miss these faces like crazy: 

If any of you out there have advice on how to make the best out of situations like this, I'd love to hear it.  Will keep you posted!

Image via Martha Stewart Living and La Dolce Vita

I've got a problem.

Warning: If you're not in the mood to read something personal/spiritual you might want to exit out of your window, because that's what I've got on my mind today.

We had a great church service today where Doug Mcallister from Journey Fellowship Church out of New Orleans spoke about destiny, our purpose, our calling and how we are to act on such with faith.  Yesterday at a women's conference, Shirley Arnold from T L C Family Church spoke about when timing and purpose converge, there is emergence.  Both powerful times.

But probably most impactful for me was at the end of the service today when Pastor Bruce (from our church - Journey Community) stood up and spoke just a few words "If you care more about your reputation than people's eternal salvation, you've got a problem".  

As I write this, I sit at my comfy desk, in our comfy office, in our comfy big house and think to myself - where do I stand?  I like to think that I care nothing of my reputation, but it's a lie.  Of course I care.  I live in a culture where we worship goods, wealth, prosperity.  Not eternal wealth, rich prosperity in Christ. ugh.. I've got a problem.

There are times when I care much much more about people's eternal salvation. Times when I am enamored at the beauty of Christ.  Times when my heart cries out to be broken like His is.  Times, when I see the desperation around me and just weep for those that may not know truth-life-eternity.  But, I don't want it to be a place in time anymore. A moment of clarity.  I want it all, all the time, with all my heart. The air I breathe, the words I speak... God help me. 

I'm now going to sprinkle in some pretty pictures for those that may need it.

I know that what I spoke about above might be too much for you right now. I also know that some reading this might need to hear something like this.  Then there's some of you who might hate me for what my heart seeks.  I'm sorry if you do, but I'm not sorry to share it.  It's time for a new song in this city, state, country, world.  It's time to care for people's hearts, not our wealth. 

Another note, if you've made it this far.. While I don't intend to make this a completely personal blog about all of my convictions, I felt it necessary to be upfront with whoever reading this.  I believe that all of the beautiful things that inspire me are a gift from Jesus, showing the beauty of Him and His kingdom.  But the pretty homes, hotels, other things I'll probably share don't really matter.  He does.  All for now :-) 


Images via Pink Wallpaper and La Dolce Vita

Sneak Peak. Project Office

B and I bought a house a little over a year ago, and we've slowly but surely been making it our home.  One of our latest projects has been working on the office.  Until last weekend, it lay riddled with boxes, papers, and mail (which I have to admit I'm terrible at opening/throwing away).

After a day of driving to Louisville, KY and back we now have a desk and bookshelf (hooray) and are currently thinking about paint colors.  I'll update with more pictures after we get things together.

Now, for the sneak peak of the project we're working on.  With some inspiration a la Erika we're making a bulletin board for a place to store photos, magazine pages, and other things we enjoy.  We've had to do a little jimmyrigging (is that a word?) to save some money, because buying a $160 bulletin board was just out of the question.  Will explain more later..

Here's a few work in progress: 

 

 Charlie likes to get involved in our projects..

 

 And a sneak of our office:

  

More to come later friends, for now I'm off to bed... 

Sam I Am

So, this is the post where I should probably explain who I am, what I'm about and what's going to happen with this blog.  That's the logical conclusion.  But then I realize that most people viewing this post will have found it via facebook, me sending it to them, or some other relational medium.  Therefore, I'm at a loss as to what to explain about myself.  Next, I come to the realization that maybe I haven't been as good about updating people about my past few years out of college, so maybe it's not such a bad idea.  Regardless, here goes...

I'm starting this blog for many reasons.  For transparency, for a fun thing to do, for my husband who keeps driving me crazy to start a blog ;), for an opportunity to share some of my views in life, and I think most of all for a creative outlet that I can use as I pour out images, words, and stories that inspire me (and hopefully others).

I don't know exactly what it is that I will share on this blog.  How much I'll share.  But, let's have a go at this, and see where we are a few weeks/months/years down the road. 

Here are some of the current things that inspire me right now:

Beautiful Interiors

via Lonny

Fabulous Hotels - The Connaught in London

    via the connaught

Family and Friends - This is my awesome hubby and our pup Charlie. He's (Charlie) so much bigger now - you'll see soon.

This is Team Friendship.  Welcome to our little world. 



Jesus - I'm currently reading through "Forgotten God" by Francis Chan.  Recently read "Crazy Love".  Life Changers - both of them. 

"Have you ever wondered if we're missing it?

 

It's crazy, if you think about it. The God of the universe—the Creator of nitrogen and pine needles, galaxies and E-minor—loves us with a radical, unconditional, self-sacrificing love. And what is our typical response?

 

 We go to church, sing songs, and try not to cuss.

 

Whether you've verbalized it yet or not, we all know something's wrong.

 

Does something deep inside your heart long to break free from the status quo? Are you hungry for an authentic faith that addresses the problems of our world with tangible, even radical, solutions? God is calling you to a passionate love relationship with Himself."

Business - This may make me seem like a nerd, but I'm also reading "7 Habits of a Highly Effective Person" by Steven Covey.  whew.  Also awesome book.