Winner, Winner

A few weeks ago, I entered a bracelet giveaway over at Waiting on Martha. Since this lovely lady's blog is one of my daily reads (and it should be one of yours too!) I wanted to support her partnership with ML Pearl Designs. However, with numerous giveaways happening all over the blogging community, never in a million years did I expect to win. Much to my surprise, the unexpected happened and yours truly received this gorgeous pearl and chain bracelet.

Ever since it arrived in the mail, this piece has become a staple in my jewelry collection. With a touch of femininity paired with tough chain link design, the bracelet can be worn from day-to-night. Thanks Waiting on Martha and ML Pearl Designs!

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It's Friday!

Whew .. this week has seriously flown by. So much was packed into my schedule that I can't believe it is the weekend again. But hey, I'm not complaining and I might have done a little friday dance this morning!

On tap for the next three days: two hockey games, sleeping in, working out, catching up on blogs, finish reading The Hunger Games, cleaning, and family time. {Pretty good weekend if you ask me}

Happy Friday, ladies! What's on your schedule this St. Patrick's Day weekend?

xo, sam

{image from my Pinterest page)

Another Year Older

Well hey, that's a good idea because... today is MY birthday! Since I don't get a lot of time to myself anymore, I took the day off work to enjoy some 'me' time. On tap is getting my hair and nails done, a little retail therapy, and spending the evening with some of my best friends. I couldn't ask for more.  

Here's to making my 22nd year the best so far!

xo, sam

Daytona

Life has been absolutely crazy the last month. And it is all because of this place: Daytona. Unlike most sports where the biggest event of the season takes place at the conclusion, the 'superbowl' of our year kicks off our 38-week schedule.

Thankfully after two trips, eight total days, numerous rain storms and soaking up some rays, I was able to return to Carolina and finally stop living out of a suitcase. I'm blessed to have a job that I enjoy waking up to every day which allows me to see many cities across the United States. But no matter the length of my trip, nothing feels better when I land back home in Charlotte.

I've learned over the years that Dorothy was right...there really is no place like home.

A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words

As I flipped through my calendar this morning, it hit me. 

The first month of 2012 is almost in the books. Where has the time gone? I swear January 1st seems like yesterday and we were all making goals and resolutions for the new year. Let's please not talk about how those are going for this girl. 

However, one of my goals for this year was to document more...journal, blog, take pictures, do anything that will help me remember where I've been and what I've done. The older I get the more I realize that I'm blessed to do a lot of one-of-a-kind experiences and so often I have nothing to show for it. And as the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. 

Here are a few shots I've captured over the last week. 

NASCAR Preview at Charlotte Convention Center 1.21.12.

Jilson Baby Shower 1.21.12.

Venti Starbucks Skinny Vanilla Latte at 6am 1.24.12.

Commercial Shoot at shop 1.24.12.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas! 

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given...and he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. {Isaiah 9:6}

Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday, filled with lots of love and joy. Presents, family time, lunch, parade watching, and 3-mile walk with Dad have made up my day so far.. now it's time to pack for a couple days at the beach. So excited to get away before returning to the daily routine! 

Did Santa bring you anything good? 

xo.

fill in the blank friday

Happy Friday! Another work week is almost complete and the weekend fun is right around the corner. With lots of activities planned and final holiday touches to complete, I can hardly wait. 

Today, I'm linking up with Lauren at The Little Things We Do for Fill in the Blank Friday...

1. My most favorite "little thing" is... {whew, this is a hard one since I'm all about the little things} to receive a hand written letter in the mail. I'm a dork when it comes to getting snail mail. 

2. I'd give anything to... achieve my dreams and wake up everyday knowing only good awaits.

3. I can't believe... there are only nine, let me repeat, NINE more days until Christmas! Lots of presents are left to be bought and wrapped. Time to finish it up this weekend so I can enjoy the true reason for the season.  

4. The one thing I'd like to achieve today is... put a smile on someone else's face. Happiness comes from helping others.

5. The last thing I want to do today is... clean. My grandma is coming to visit for the holidays and the house must be cleaned. {ps: this will be pushed off until tomorrow}

6. If I were writing my own blank today, it would say... my favorite Christmas cd is... and to answer the question, mine would be NSYNC's holiday album. A little Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays can make this girl smile on cue.

7. My favorite candle scent is... Yankee Candle's Christmas Cookies. If y'all have not smelled its deliciousness, you are missing out. Who doesn't love to smell sugar cookies at the holidays?

Hope y'all have a wonderful weekend! Anything fun planned? 

xo.

Weekend Wisdom: Little Things

{via}

This weekend, let's remember that little things to us are big things to someone else.

A simple hello, using 'please' and 'thank you', a friendly smile, holding the door for the person behind you.

These things that seem to be so insignificant could be a bright light for someone who is having a dark day.

Don't ever underestimate the little things.

xo.