I'm Back Baby!

Hey! Hi. How you doin'? Holy moly, it's been a while.

After almost eight months of silence maybe it's time to catch you up on my life. Several exciting things have happened while I've been away from this blog and I wouldn't want you to feel left out.

Most importantly, I became an aunt! I have a squishy, adorable, sweet cheeked nephew named Levi who was born in June and is the best snuggle buddy ever.

 

I also got a new job. At the end of January I left my position at the library and started working in the billing department of a local home care service. The new job was a huge adjustment at first. Both my schedule and my work environment completely changed, and it took months before I could handle anything other than work and sleep. I may have enough money to pay my bills now, but I miss only working three days a week.

In May I came home with "a brand new car!" (Read that in your best Oprah voice.) Words cannot describe how happy this car has made me. Let's just say, no-car Sarah was slowly losing her marbles and would not have lasted another month without having a serious mental breakdown. Every time I get in my car now I want to start singing "Independent Women Part 1" by Destiny's Child.
Okay maybe I should still be admitted for psychological evaluation....

May was also the month my youngest cousin graduated from high school, a long lost friend helped me sign up for Beachbody, and I got bangs for the first time since I was 5 years old.

The summer months were packed with family gatherings, wine tastings, beach days, and birthday celebrations. I guess my life has been a lot more than work after all. Looking back on these pictures makes it all feels like a big blur though. Time has flown by this year and my body feels like it's barely stopped moving.

In August I was able to take the train to Chicago to spend an extended weekend with my friend Gabby. I hung out with her friendly cats, spent a ridiculous amount of time in various bookstores, walked around a handful of Chicago neighborhoods, and got lost inside the Art Institute. After a week in the city I felt more inspired to paint, write, and live than I do after most days in my home town. It's good to get out of the usual bubble and see other parts of the world, even if it's not visiting another country or half way across the globe.

My life has not lacked excitement over the past eight months, but I still missed writing to you all. I'm happy to be back and hopefully this time it'll last.

- S

Annual Mackinac Island Family Trip

Hey guys,

My family and I took our now annual trip to Mackinac Island a couple weeks ago. It was a beautiful for most of the day until the clouds blew in and the temperatures dropped. When we went last October it wasn't quite so chilly.

Although there were more people on the island this year, we didn't have to worry about fighting crowds or finding quiet paths to walk on. I really do prefer visiting Mackinac in the fall. Despite the weather you can't beat the color and the views.

After a nice walk to visit some of our favorite spots, we all headed back into town for a warm meal and some shopping. Another perk to visiting late in the fall: the sales. Mackinac Island has a surprising number of cute stores with a full stock of items you're likely to find on Etsy; pillows, greeting cards, fancy prints, and so much more. This year I picked up some supplies to make a Christmas bunting for the holiday season. I also ventured into the bookstore and managed to only buy one book. 40% off books will be the death of my bank account. Lastly, I couldn't leave without fudge since you know, I couldn't just buy it downtown Traverse City.

Just before we left the rain started to pour and the boat ride back to Mackinaw City was one of the longest of my life. At one point the boat tipped so far a few children and adults started screaming. Let's just say I've never been happier to be back on land.

-S

5 Reasons My Dad is the Best

So this post is a little late for Father's Day, but I figure it's never too late to celebrate my dad.

1. My dad and I may have our differences but he's never been pushy about his opinions. One characteristic both my parents exemplify is being kind and respectful of everyone, even when you argue or hold differing opinions on a subject. What great role models.

2. My dad has always been supportive of my dreams and aspirations. While my mom is the emotional and mental support my dad has always been the one to help me follow through, even if that means having to do it with me. When I wanted to run a 5K my dad ran the race next to me. When I wanted to go on a long distance bike ride my dad was the navigator, planner, and my training partner. My dad is always reminding me that I'm stronger than I think. He's helped me accomplish so much and I couldn't be more grateful.

3. He's resourceful. If my dad wants something done, he does it himself. He does his research and makes the item he wants instead of rushing out to buy one from the store. My dad has taught me the value in learning how to fix things or making something new out of the resources you already have. He is always fixing stuff like my car or the house (and teaching me something new in the process). 

4. Since my dad is always figuring out how to do things himself, he is a great wealth of practical knowledge. If I have a problem I usually call him and he's know exactly what to do. I think he's smarter than he believes.

5. Lastly, my dad knows exactly how to keep me calm. For a girl who has anxiety issues and gets easily stressed, having a dad who can make you feel at ease in certain situations is a big deal. My dad was the one who taught me how to drive (well besides my driving instructor). My mom gets anxious about other people driving in general so my dad was the one who got stuck with the copiloting duties in my early days of driving. There's just something about being around my dad that makes me less anxious. He's very rational and level headed. He's also a great spider killer. I once called my dad from three hours away screaming because a giant spider was running around the bedroom floor of my apartment and I was too afraid to kill it with my hands.

When I made this list for Mother's Day I kept trying to think of what I could write about my dad for Father's Day. Even though my parent's approach each characteristic in different ways, they are both creative, intelligent, hard working, great teachers, and supportive parents.

Happy Father's Day!Thanks for being so great Dad!

Love you
-S

Memorial Day Weekend

Hello Everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. This post is a little late, but I wanted to document all the fun that was had last week. I spent my weekend relaxing and drinking copious of Starbucks. On Friday afternoon my family, sans brother, drove down to Bloomington-Normal, IL for my cousin's graduation party. I love Normal because it has great record stores, lots of cute little shops, and my aunt and uncle have a pool we can never pass up.

We stopped in Grand Rapids on the way down to take advantage of the Memorial Day sales. I managed to find lots of pieces I loved at J. Crew (which I never go into because of the steep prices) and walked out with a couple shirts. I also went and ordered about four more items online the next day because I needed petites that weren't available in the store. I'm excited to finally have some new additions to my wardrobe. Now all I need are a pair of summer pants/capris for work and a good pair of sandals. While in Grand Rapids we also stopped into the Lush Cosmetics store. I've bought my mom a couple bath bombs, but she had never been in their actual store before. I think she was really impressed by the whole experience. Both my mom and I tried out their Mask of Magnaminty and I ended up buying a small pot of that for myself. I also got a sample of the Dark Angel face wash and the Vanishing Cream moisturizer. I love Lush products and was bummed we didn't have more time to spend in the store (we ended up taking a long time other places and my dad wanted to get back on the road). The rest of the night was spent driving, during which I got some reading done and started listening to More Than This by Patrick Ness once it got dark.

On Saturday my dad and I went to the record stores in Uptown where I found a used White Album from The Beatles. I've had my eye on one at our local record store in TC, but it was quite expensive. Luckily the stores down in IL tend to be more reasonably priced and this one was much more in line with my budget. I also grabbed a Diana Ross and the Supremes Anthology. Both are great records and I was excited to walk out of North Street Records with them in hand. If you're ever in the area I'd recommend a stop into North Street; they have a well rounded record selection that never disappoints.

After record shopping my dad and I had to make a stop at Starbucks for my cousins. I rarely drink Starbucks at home because I prefer the local coffee shops, but my cousins are HUGE Starbucks drinkers. When they suggest making a coffee run I am not one to turn down that opportunity, even if it's twice in one day. I don't even want to think about how much money was spent on coffee during that weekend alone. We also spent Saturday in the pool splashing around and playing volleyball games until we ripped a massive hole in the net and gave up.

The graduate and family

The graduate and Grandma

That evening the rest of the family went to Eric's graduation ceremony while I stayed home with the dogs. My grandma's dog gets anxious when she's alone and I didn't feel the need to sit through the ceremony, so things worked out quite well for the both of us.

Bailey (top), Jojo (left) and Me relaxing on the couch. 

Sunday was the day of the party. It's funny now thinking about my own high school graduation and party. Those events simultaneously feel like they happened yesterday and ten years ago (granted it has actually been seven years to be exact). Everyone getting together, seeing people you know but don't actually know, being asked the same questions over and over again. Little did I know that would be the beginning of a whole new part of life. People never stop asking you those questions, "what happens next, what's the plan, what do you want to do?" So much happens after high school but graduation and that whole time surrounding those events are equally significant. Take time to appreciate those friends that stopped by the party because that might be your final goodbye. Take time to think about those questions because even though you don't need to have all the answers at that very moment, they still need answers.

My uncle Dale, Eric, and my dad. I love this picture.

Despite a few patches of rain, Eric and his friend's party was a successful event and it's always nice to see family. There was lots of laughter and smiles to go around. Plus it's hard to beat a menu of fancy mini cupcakes and Moe's Southwest Grill. Congratulations again Eric and good luck in Utah!!

Monday was dedicated to the drive back to Michigan. Luckily for us we were heading in the opposite direction to most of the traffic. Sometimes it's difficult to remember why we celebrate Memorial Day. It's easy to think of the holiday as just another excuse for grilling out and drinking beer, but we wouldn't be able to have weekends like that without the sacrifice of so many service men, women, and families. One day out of the year just doesn't seem like enough. I am forever grateful to those individuals who serve and protect this country.

-S

Weekend Recap

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! Spring seems to have already sprung in Michigan and although it's not bound to last it's definitely a breathe of fresh air. I will take mid 40's and a drizzle any day over falling snow and temperatures below zero. Even the piles of snow we had just over a week ago have all been diminished to tiny lumps.

Friday turned out to be the best day weather wise. It was absolutely gorgeous with lots of sun and temperatures high enough to go outside without a coat. In the afternoon my mom and I headed to Tandem Ciders for a little fun. We might not agree on our wine preferences, but we both love cider.

Tandem's tasting room is in an old white farm house with a casual bar area and lots of outdoor seating for the summer months. Since the property was pretty muddy on Friday we opted for inside seating where we sipped a variety of crisp cool ciders and munched on my favorite pickled eggs. The only downside to the trip was my inability to taste or smell a whole lot due to my recent cold. Hopefully next time we go I can savor the goods a bit more.

We still walked away with two bottles of cider. One of Sweet Heart and one Smackintosh.

Afterwards we decided to stop in Suttons Bay and walk around for a bit. Suttons Bay is a quaint little town located right on the water along M22 highway (and the end of the TART trail). It's home to many lovely shops but my favorites are Enerdyne and Brain Storm. It's hard to consider these separate stores since they're physically connected. Enerdyne sells mostly nature and science products while Brain Storm mainly sells games. Both stores are dedicated to the notion that learning and exercising your brain can be lots of fun.

On Saturday my dad and I decided to hit up the local record store. We've been record shopping every weekend lately. I love sharing a passion for records with my dad. It's been fun hunting for certain albums or artists that we both like, although we both agreed that we need to start bringing lists. Every time I walk into the store I get distracted by all the names and forget what exactly I wanted to look for.

My dad and I both managed to find worth while purchases Saturday. I walked out with a 2008 limited edition remastered version of Pain In My Heart by Otis Redding in red vinyl and my dad went with a greatest hits kind of album from The Beatles. I had been looking for a Redding album for quite some time, and although I prefer old over remastered I was still quite happy with this purchase. Since my parents only had one Beatles album in their collection (Let It Be), my dad's been trying to find a reasonably priced record to add to the list. Some of those Beatles albums can get pretty pricy! I almost bought The Beatles White Album last weekend, but I just couldn't manage $50 at the time. It's definitely an album I would like on vinyl, so I might try saving up for it.

That night my parents had a work party and my brother had to work, so I was left with the house all to myself. Taking full advantage of my time alone, I decided to make cookies. I always prefer to bake cookies alone because that way I can blast music, dance around the kitchen, and eat as much dough as I like.

Later, just as I was about to go to bed, I found my brother watching a feature on the Mercedes Benz Formula 1 racing team. After a few minutes I was totally sucked in. It's fascinating what all goes into making the vehicles. Soon after I decided to just stay up to watch the whole Australian Grand Prix with my brother. I don't go out of my way to watch Formula 1, but I find the races exciting. It's one of those sports that I always find interesting and want to know more about. There's just a lot that goes into the sport between it's careful engineering and constant teamwork.

Sunday morning, after unfortunately forgetting I set my alarm before decided to stay up so late, my dad suggested we try one of the antique stores for more vinyls. Browsing the antique store usually requires a little more digging and careful inspection, but you can usually find better prices.

Lastly, Sunday afternoon my parents and I went to see the new Cinderella movie. My mom and I were already on our way to the theater when my dad called to say he would meet us there. My dad is kind of finicky about watching movies, so we were both pleasantly surprised that he decided to join (the more the merrier!) The movie was excellent and I was very happy revisiting a story that I hold so close at heart.

I ended up having a very family oriented weekend. I'm thankful my family is still able and willing to spend so much time together. Cheers to the great weekend!

-S

Winter Sunday Adventure

On Sunday my family drove out to Empire and the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore area because we had heard the ice caves from last year were back. Unfortunately once we got out there we learned there were no ice caves yet this year (major bummer). The temperatures were below zero, the wind was blowing hard and snow was coming down, but we decided to drive around and explore a little anyways. Might as well enjoy the area while we were there.

My dad, brother, and I all went out on the ice at Empire. The snow was deep but climbing down onto the ice was a slipper task. Surprisingly none of us ended up on our butts during the process. After a few minutes I was getting cold and worried that my pant legs were getting wet, so I headed back to the car. My dad and brother both had snow pants on so they explored a few minutes longer.

Even though it was cold and windy we still had a lot of fun exploring. I don't think I've ever been out to the National Park in the winter (or if I have it's been a long time).

I love this picture of my parents. We were walking back and they reached out to grab each other's mittens. I'd image holding hands with mittens on isn't the easiest, but they're pretty dedicated hand holders. Aren't they adorable?

-S