Living Sweetly

Nothing but Smiles

2010-09-08T22:06:00.000-05:00

Image from here

I apologize for my absence from blogging. My only excuse is that I've just been busy! But busy in a very good way. I'll give a full update over the weekend, but for now I just feel the need to add to my list of things I'm thankful for. So here it is...

I'm thankful for...
121) Weekend trips with just the girls
122) Freshly picked apples
123) Raspberries, yogurt, and granola....I'm thankful for each separately, but together thay are delicious!
124) Cool, crisp mornings
125) Beautiful sunsets over Lake Michigan
126) Clif Energy chews....they are getting me through these insanely long runs!
127) Having fun weekend plans when the week isn't even half over
128) Giggling until your stomach hurts
129) Old mix cds for road trips
130) New music from my favorite artists

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

P.S. I'm getting closer to reaching my goal of $1,000 for the Special Olympics. I have until the Chicago Marathon on 10/10/10 get there. All donations are greatly appreciated. Please visit my fundraising site by clicking here: http://www.active.com/donate/sochicago10/RDavis500

Friends

2010-08-15T18:21:00.002-05:00

I prayed for you before we met,
not knowing who you'd be.
I asked the Lord to send a friend.

Image from Juan_MiguelR

One chosen just for me.

I asked that they'd be Godly,

with wisdom of His ways.

A friend to help and guide me

in the troubles of these days.

So often in life, we need someone
to listen while we talk.
Someone who will not condemn or judge,
but encourage us as we walk.

The narrow road we choose to follow
may sometimes make us stumble,
but to have a friend to catch our fall,
teaches us to be humble.

When I asked the Lord to send a friend,
though many came and went,
He gave much more than I ever asked,
for you are the friend He sent.

~Anonymous~

I'm thankful for...
116) Seeing a movie on Sunday afternoons.
117) Clif Energy Bloks.
118) When my sister's come to town.
119) Popcorn at the movie theatre.
120) New music.

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

Lollapalooza 2010

2010-08-09T20:29:00.000-05:00

Yesterday marked the end of this year's 3-day music extravaganza known as Lollapalooza. I'm still recovering from my Lolla-hangover, but I'm still feeling a high from all of the amazing music I heard over the weekend.

The main entrance to the festival.

Friday, I arrived in the late afternoon after working for the longest 7 hours of my life. I started the day checking out The Black Keys, who put on a solid show. I really like their bluesy style, which is right up my alley. I stopped over by Jamie Lidell's concert for a few tunes, but didn't stay long so I could stake out my spot for the big show of the evening...Lady Gaga. I never expected to be so excited to see her in concert, but the show was incredible. It started off a bit slow since she took a little too much time with her personal monologues. After the first act was over, the rest of the show was a whirlwind of dancing, singing, and craziness that only Lady Gaga can pull off. I say act because the concert was in 3 acts, plus the encore. It literally was a theatrical experience. She ended the show with "Bad Romance" which definitely was the highlight of the evening.

Emily, me, and our new friend from D.C., Ann Marie, while we

wait for Phoenix to start. It was crowded!

Day 2 was marked with a great mix of bands. I stared the day seeing Dragonette, who I had read was must-see in the RedEye on Friday. They were right! This band put on a great show, and since there were on a smaller stage, I was able to get really close. Click here to listen to some of the music. After catching a few songs from Stars, I headed over to see Dan Black with Emily and Mike (two of my Lolla buddies :) ). I had never heard of him before, but he was amazing! I didn't stop moving the whole time he was on stage. Click here for more of his music. The next highlight of the day was Metric. The lead singer of this band had so much energy! She definitely worked the crowd despite the heat and humidity and her energy was contagious! It definitely got us all ready for what was to come later. Click here to listen (my favorite is "Help I'm Alive"). The best act of the day (and probably of the whole weekend) was Phoenix. We were about 50 feet from the stage, and boy did we work to get that spot! We sat for over an hour waiting for Phoenix so we could be moderately close. Their show was incredible. The band was clearly grateful and humbled by the amount of people who came to see them....and they put on an amazing concert to show their appreciation. Click here to have a listen to some of their songs.

Sitting in the shade with Kristen.

Lollapalooza is definitely a marathon, and by day 3, we were all feeling tired and achey from all the dancing, standing, and jumping from the days before. I started the day seeing Yeasayer. Besides hearing that my friend, Kristen, really liked them, I had no idea what to expect. I ended up loving them though! They have a electro, rock style with some tribal beats mixed in....a unique style for sure. Please click here to check them out. You won't regret it! After a disappointing set by MGMT, I decided to head over to The National. I also was not familiar with this band, but heard that most of my Lolla buddies loved them, so I figured they were worth checking out. After attempting to get up front by Emily and Mike, I decided being 15 feet away from the stage was close enough...and boy was it! The lead singer of The National started out completely mellow, but ended the show by crowd surfing, climbing the barriers, and screaming at the tops of his lungs. It was a totally amped up show! Click here to hear some of their music.

After a lot of debate, I decided to end Lollapalooza by seeing Arcade Fire, and this proved to be an excellent choice. Their music has so much depth, especially since they had 9 band members on stage! It was evident that the audience was truly moved by their music and lyrics. It was a great way to end the 3-Day weekend. Click here for some of their songs.

It was an exhausting, exciting, and exhilerating weekend. It was something I will never forget...until next year comes around, of course :)

I'm thankful for...
111) My music loving friends who like going to concerts with me
112) $3 slices of Lou Malnoti's pizza
113) Sundresses on hot days
114) The kind of music that makes it impossible not to dance along
115) The music scene in Chicago

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

Rainy Days

2010-08-03T13:00:00.003-05:00

Originally uploaded by Cuba Gallery

Rain
by Shel Silverstein

I opened my eyes
And looked up at the rain,
And it dripped in my head
And flowed into my brain,
And all that I hear as I lie in my bed
Is the slishity-slosh of the rain in my head.

I step very softly,
I walk very slow,
I can't do a handstand--
I might overflow,
So pardon the wild crazy thing I just said--
I'm just not the same since there's rain in my head.

I hope everyone is full of smiles despite this rainy Chicago day.

I'm thankful for...
106) Curl and scrunch spray...it makes it so easy to get ready on days like today.
107) the Walgreens that's only a block away from work
108) my cute umbrella
109) Band-aids, especially when they gaurd your feet against blisters
110) Balasmic vinaigrette salad dressing. I'd say it's my favorite!

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

Creative Crush: Laura Trevey Watercolors

2010-08-01T11:05:00.000-05:00

I wish I could remember where I first encountered Laura Trevey Watercolors. Although I can't remember the place, I do remember how taken aback I was by her work. The watercolors are gorgeous with bright, vibrant colors and a variety of subject matter. I'm inspired to pull out my watercolor supplies and get back to painting. Please take a few moments to look at her work by clicking here.

Aren't they just beautiful?

I'm thankful for...
101) Creative people who inspire me
102) Etsy.com for it's wonderfully unique finds
103) Afternoons playing volleyball at the beach
104) Seeing old friends
105) Making new ones

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

New Music: Outer Reaches

2010-08-01T10:41:00.000-05:00

It's been a while since I've posted anything music related. With Lollapalooza coming up, I'm sure I'll have tons of new bands to report on after the 3-day music festival. I'll be sure to keep you all posted on my findings.

There is one new band on the horizon that I'm very proud to introduce...Outer Reaches. This is my younger brother's band that he formed with one of his good friends. They are extremely talented. Both of these guys are responsible for the vocals, guitar, piano, drums...everything. It's amazing to hear what only two people can produce, and it was all done from their homes. Their first cd has been released, and it's an awesome first time effort for these two young guys. I'm excited to see what they will come up with in the future!

Please check out their myspace page by clicking here

Please click here to view their fan page on facebook.

Enjoy!

I'm thankful for...
96) Outlet malls...the deals are so good!
97) Relaxing weekends at the beach
98) The coffee maker at my new office. The coffee is incredible.
99) Really good books that I can't put down.
100) My cat, Babs (short for Barbara Pageaus Davis)

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

Endurance...Faith...Hope

2010-07-26T21:40:00.000-05:00

We also rejoice in our sufferings,

because we know that suffering produces
perseverance;

perseverance, character;

and character, hope.

And hope does not disappoint us,
because God has poured out his

LOVE

into our hearts by the Holy Spirit,
whom he has given us.

Romans 5: 3-5

I am thankful for...
91) Beautiful summer nights
92) Playing water balloon toss...endless laughs always ensue.
93) Window AC units
94) Smiley faces at the ends of emails :)
95) Weekly small group meetings

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

image originally from Haribo's photos

Baptism Sunday

2010-07-18T16:04:00.000-05:00

My name is Rachel, and I was baptized in Lake Michigan today.

After calling myself a Christian for over two years, today was the day that I finally decided to show this publically to my friends, family, and church.

Today was a day of celebration, hope, and love. What happened today is a true testament to the power of God's love and grace...and the transformation that His presence has had on my life. Those who are close to me know my testimony of what brought me here today. I'm so happy to say that my life has been forever changed.

Thank you to everyone who has played a part in getting me to where I'm at today. I could have never gone on this journey alone.

I didn't take many pictures, but here's a brief slideshow of my baptism:

Slideshow design generated with Smilebox

"May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you."
Pslam 33:22

I'm thankful for...
86) Times when the love that surrounds is palpable
87) Everyone who woke up early to celebrate with me today
88) My church home
89) Pedicures
90) Smilebox slideshows

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

Marathon Training: Week 7

2010-07-11T14:26:00.000-05:00

This week was a big week for marathon training because I ran the longest I've ever run in my life! I ran 11 miles with my training group yesterday, and it went really well. I was nervous beforehand since this was completely new territory for me. Up until now, 10 miles was the longest distance I've run. I got up bright and early on Saturday morning (6:30 am! Yikes!), had my Gatorade ready to go, and a running playlist all ready to go. I felt great through the whole run, and I'm actually excited to run even more next week.

As you may remember from my first blog about marathon training (click here), I am running the marathon on the Special Olympics charity team. Please take a few minutes to visit my fundraising page. Click here to see more information about this amazing charity. Thanks for your support!

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

Happy

2010-07-05T11:35:00.001-05:00

Happy is...

     1. Characterized by good luck; fortunate.
     2. Enjoying, showing, or marked by pleasure, satisfaction, or joy.
     3. Being especially well-adapted; felicitous: a happy turn of phrase.
     4. Cheerful; willing: happy to help.

Here's what has made me happy over the last year...

Free picture slideshow made with Smilebox

I'm thankful for...
81) The people in my life who make everything better
82) Lazy days off of work
83) Seeing a matinee on a too hot summer day
84) Aloe vera gel
85) Selling things on craig's list

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

Happy Fourth of July!

2010-07-04T11:29:00.000-05:00

I hope that you all are enjoying this lovely long weekend. Happy 4th everyone!

I'm thankful for...

71) Laid back barbeques with good friends

71) When it's warm enough during the day to be a perfect temperature at night

72) The calm Lake Michigan waters

73) Day trips to my grandparent's condo in Michigan City

74) DVD's of favorite tv shows

75) Public transportation

76) Laughing so hard your stomach hurts

77) Lazy Sunday mornings

78) Grapefruit

79) Smiles from strangers

80) Free concerts

Live Sweetly :)

Rachel

New Job, New Outlook on Life

2010-06-27T15:08:00.000-05:00

A week ago, I started a new job, which explains my absense from the blog world. Over the last few weeks, my life has been full of surprises.

Four weeks ago, I was feeling at a loss....confused about what was going to come next and wondering about whether or not any of the changes I wanted would ever happen. My patience was being tested. Thanks to the wonderful women in my small group, I was reminded that I needed to just trust in God's timing for it truly is the best timing.

A few days after I reached my low point, I received word about a job opening. I sent in my resume. Less than a week later, I had interviewed, received a job offer, and put in my two weeks notice. This new opportunity was a huge answer to prayers, and probably the most direct answer to prayer that I've ever experienced. I had been waiting for almost a year for a new job or new opportunity to come along. I had put myself out there in so many ways, and I didn't understand why nothing was working out. I was confused and impatient. I was beginning to doubt that He was even paying attention.

Now at the end of my first week at my new job, my doubts are gone. Everything happenned so quickly and the timing of it all was too perfect for it to be anything but God's work. I'm so grateful for everything, and I'm so looking forward to seeing how my life changes and develops as a result of this new job. I'm feeling so positive about the future, and I'm couldn't be more ready for it to start.

Thanks to everyone who has been there for me as a friend along the way. There are times when my strength comes from those who are close to me, and I am truly the luckiest person in the world.

I'll be sure to get back to blogging regularly. With my new job, I'm more busy during the day, so my posts may be more few and far between....but I'm beyond grateful that I'm being challenged at my new job, so if blogging has to take a back seat for a while, I'm ok with that.

I'm thankful for...
61) Hot summer days
62) First dates that are so good you don't want them to end
63) Sweet text messages in the middle of the day
64) Blue painter's tape...it just makes painting so much easier.
65) Trashy reality tv...it's my guillty pleasure
66) Public transportation...it's good for the environment and saves me from driving in traffic
67) Kraft macaroni and cheese. so yummy!
68) Ribs from Smoke Daddy
69) Park Community Church
70) The lakeshore path. Aren't we so lucky to have that all along Lake Michigan?

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

image from New Wine Today

Thankful

2010-06-15T09:14:00.001-05:00

I realized that I forgot to list 5 thankful things at the end of my music post yesterday. Silly me!

So, here are 10 things to add to the list!

I'm thankful for...
51) Reality tv shows that provide great entertainment
52) Emergen-C, it's really helping me out at the moment
53) When God reminds you in big ways that he's working on it
54) Facebook wall posts from old friends
55) Blue painter's tape...it makes the job so much easier!
56) Pre-marinated frozen chicken from the store (I always forget to plan ahead and marinate, so this solves that problem)
57) Chicken flavored yellow rice...yummm!!!
58) My small group...these ladies are the loves of my life.
59) My memory foam contoured pillow
60) Flat shoes, and I'm so glad they are in style at the moment.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Phillipians 4: 6

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

Music Monday 06-14-10

2010-06-14T08:40:00.000-05:00

This week's artist isn't someone new or super trendy, but is what I like to call and oldie but goody. When I think of summer, I always think of John Mellencamp. I've loved his music ever since I was a kid. I saw him in concert when I was 16, and it is still one of the top 5 concerts I've ever attended. So, here are a few tunes from one of my all time favorites, John Mellencamp:

1. Pink Houses
2. Small Town
3. Hurts So Good
4. Jack and Diane
5. Lonely Ol' Night

Don't you just want to hop in a pick-up truck and go for a ride in the country? Then, finish it off with a picnic under the stars. Maybe I'll add that to my summer to do list...

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

Audrey Knows Best

2010-06-10T10:57:00.000-05:00

"…I believe laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing; kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day, and I believe in miracles."

Audrey Hepburn

Isn't she beautiful? And so wise, too.

I'm thankful for...

46) Fun nights at dive bars with great friends

47) The ability to know right from wrong

48) Coffee from Dunkin Donuts

49) The Blackhawks!

50) Chicago summer festivals...up next: Blue's Fest!

Live Sweetly :)

Rachel

Summer To Do

2010-06-08T13:56:00.000-05:00

I recently read a blog entry from A Soft Place to Land about making a summer to do list. This blogger made a list for her kids so she has ideas to fill the sometimes long summer days. I figured that although I don't have kids or many long summer days to fill, I better make a list of musts for this summer.

So here it is! I'll keep you updated on my progress as the summer moves on.

Summer 2010 To Do:
-train for the marathon
-play at least one full round of golf
-spend a lot of time at the beach (both North Ave and Michigan City)
-go to Lollapalooza
-see at least 2 free concerts at Millenium Park
-go to one of the Movies in the Park
-have a drink on the roof of The Wit hotel
-spend a day at Great America (anyone want to go with me?)
-finish my office to closet transformation
-go to Old St. Pat's block party
-go to the Taste of Chicago since the music line up is pretty good
-see the fireworks at Navy Pier
-go to the boat races on Kankakee River for Labor Day
-mini golf
-grill out...a lot.

That's all I can think of for now. I already have some of these things in progress or in the works (Lolla tickets have been bought, closet has been cleared out, heading to Millenium Park next week for Vivaldi's four Seasons). This summer is going to be GREAT!!

I'm thankful for...
41) Friends who have grills because I am lacking one
42) the guy at Sherwin Williams who was very helpful today
43) my friend, Kate, who is showing me how to refinish furniture
44) the color turquoise...I just love it (and it will be the color of my new office!)
45) rainy days during the week and sunny days on the weekend

I hope you all are having a glorioius day!

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

image from Thai Jasmine

Music Monday 06-07-10

2010-06-07T13:47:00.002-05:00

Ginny Owens is this week's artist for Music Monday. Her music and lyrics are moving, heartfelt, and encouraging. Ginny lost her eyesight at the age of 3; however, her love for music and beautiful voice were the things that continued to give her hope and kept her working through the challenges that faced her.

My favorite song of her's is "If You Want Me To". It has an encouraging message about continuing to push through life's trials and tribulations.

Thankfully, you can listen to a live version of the song on Ginny's website. Please take the time to listen by clicking here. If you like it as much as I do, you can purchase her music here.

Ginny Owens - If You Want Me To

The pathway is broken
And The signs are unclear
And I don't know the reason why You brought me here
But just because You love me the way that You do
I'm gonna walk through the valley
If You want me to

Chorus:
Cause I'm not who I was
When I took my first step
And I'm clinging to the promise You're not through with me yet
so if all of these trials bring me closer to you
Then I will go through the fire
If You want me to

It may not be the way I would have chosen
When you lead me through a world that's not my home
But You never said it would be easy
You only said I'd never go alone

ya oh oh no

So When the whole world turns against me
And I'm all by myself
And I can't hear You answer my cries for help
I'll remember the suffering Your love put You through
And I will go through the valley If You want me to

I'm thankful for...
36) Encouraging text messages on Monday mornings
37) Running into old friends
38) Scrambled eggs with hashbrowns and ketchup
39) Outdoor summer fests
40) Having a fun weekend planned when it's only Monday

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

Serenity

2010-06-03T08:37:00.003-05:00

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.

-Reinhold Niebuhr

I'm thankful for...
31) The kind encouragement from friends.
32) Good books that can effect your thoughts and ultimately effect your life
33) When the right song plays at the exact right time
34) Beautiful sunny mornings during my long commute
35) New opportunities

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

image from Paul Linton

Design Inspiration: Contact Paper on Counters??

2010-06-02T15:11:00.000-05:00

As I'm in the midst of my closet to office transformation, it's got me thinking about the rooms in my apartment that I have yet to really touch. Besides easy things like hanging pictures or curtains and a wall decal or two, my kitchen and bathroom haven't been touched. Rather than concentrate on my current project like I probably should be, I'm already thinking about what I should do next because no apartment or house is ever really finished, right? Well, mine never is.

The kitchen is bit daunting for me. I don't want to damage anything, which means keeping the counters and cabinest as they are, and I certainly don't want to spend a lot of money on a rented unit, which means no pretty appliances. So besides painting the walls, what can I do?

I came across an article about covering kitchen counters with patterned contact paper on thriftyfun.com. Have any of you ever seen a picture of this? Or heard of someone doing it to their own kitchen? It seems like it would work well, but I'm concerned about the wear and tear. So please let me know if you've seen this...or kindly ask your design-y friends if they've tried it. Thank you!

I'm thankful for...
26) My afternoon glass of green tea
27) French vanilla creamer for my morning cup of coffee
28) A glass of red wine after work
29) Chocolate protein shakes post-morning workout
30) Gatorade after a long run on a hot day

(for some reason I decided to pay homage to all of my favorite beverages??)

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

Marathon Training: Week 2

2010-06-02T09:35:00.002-05:00

This week's training has been an interesting one so far. With Chicago's unseasonably warm weather, finding a good time of day to run has been somewhat difficult. Over the long weekend, I ran 7 miles. It went well, although I need to find a good route for these long runs that aboid stop lights. During the week, I've been doing a combination of shorter 4-mile runs and some cross training. I'm starting to get ot the point in training where I need to be more strategic with what I eat before my long runs. As I was running on Saturday morning, I kept thinking about some of the tips my high school running coach, Coach McCabe, used to share with us. Some of his tips involved eating and proper training techniques, but most of his tips were about remaining positive and believing in ourselves. I'll have to find some of the weekly handouts he used to give us and share some of his inspirational quotes with you all. Stay tuned...

Please take the time to read my blog post about the Special Olympics here and take the time to place a donation here.

Thank you in advance for your contribution!

I'm thankful for...
21) Listening to music on Pandora when it iTunes selection seems boring
22) The large amount of songs in my music collection, so listening to iTunes doesn't get boring often.
23) the show Glee...it's so entertaining!
24) Happy hours with good friends...I'm looking forward to tonight!
25) Times when I can sit and just listen to the rain fall.

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

Happy Long Weekend!

2010-05-28T07:46:00.000-05:00

Thank goodness! A 3-day weekend is upon us. I hope that everyone has a wonderful and relaxing Memorial Day weekend. My goals for the weekend include:

-spending lots and lots of time outside
-not using my car unless completely necessary
-enjoying food and drinks with friends
-getting my closet cleared out for my closet-to-office makeover (Remember when I blogged about this? It's becoming a reality! Pictures to follow)
-taking advantage of some Memorial Day weekend sales
-relaxing....aaahhhh

Happy Memorial Day!

I'm thankful for...
16) Long weekends that leave me refreshed and rejuvenated
17) Omelettes from the Crate & Barrel cafe
18) Beer gardens on warm summer evenings
19) My cat, Babs, who loves to cuddle
20) When my nails actually grow a decent length and don't break

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

All I Have to do is...

2010-05-27T14:25:00.004-05:00

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
Matthew 7: 7-8

Thanks, Lauren, for reminding me of this verse.

image via my talented photog friend, jlukianuk

I'm thankful for...

11) The angels who God places in my life at the exact moment, at the right time

12) Gena, the lady who threads my eyebrows

13) How quickly my hair grows

14) Warm Memorial Day weekends

15) My minty flavored lip gloss from Bath & Bodyworks...it's awesome.

Live Sweetly :)

Rachel

Marathon Training: Week 1

2010-05-26T09:14:00.004-05:00

This week marks the first official week of marathon training. Running a full 26-mile long marathon is something that’s been on my life list for years. I’ve wanted to do it ever since my cross-country days back in high school. Each year up until now, I’ve told myself that I’ll do it when I have more time. Well, I’ll never have more time, so I’ve decided to make the time and commit myself to training for the next few months until the big day, Sunday October 10th (the date will be 10/10/10…kind of cool, right?). So far, I’m up to 7 miles for my long run and I’ll be adding a mile each week with shorter runs on the days inbetween. It feels really good to be running regularly again!

When I signed up for the marathon, I learned that I could run the race on a charity team and raise money for a good cause. After reading through the many charities that offer training programs for the Chicago Marathon, I have chosen to run with the Special Olympics charity team. I’ve known about this organization for years and have some personal connections to this community. I’m excited to be making a contribution towards helping the Special Olympics reach their goals.

I have pledged to raise a minimum of $1,000 for this amazing charity. I would appreciate any help I can get from you to reach that goal. Any donation, big or small, will make an impact. Your donation will not only help me reach my goal, but it will also play a part in the life of someone with special needs.

Please take the time to visit my fundraising website and consider placing a donation by clicking here.

Thank you so much for your support! I'll be sure to keep you all updated as training continues.

I’m thankful for…

6) My legs…I wouldn’t be able to run this marathon without them. They're long, too, which helps a lot :)
7) The kind words and encouragement from my small group
8) Really cool finds on craig’s list
9) Clear skies on sunny days
10) Oatmeal with peanut butter and raisins...what a great way to start the day!

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

The Thousand Gifts

2010-05-25T08:11:00.001-05:00

This morning I woke up feeling frustrated…annoyed…a little disappointed. I hate waking up that way, especially after coming off of a really fun weekend.

The heat in my apartment made me mad. The radio wasn’t playing any good music, so I turned it off in a huff. Someone cut me off driving to work. Traffic was…well, traffic. My back hurts because I slept funny. And even though I feel like I’m trying to make changes…everything just seems to be the same.

Ok. Now that I got that off my chest…

When I got to work this morning, I did a quick run through my google reader while drinking my cup of coffee. And it just so happens that the theme of some of my favorite blogs on this unusually ungrateful morning was…thanksgiving. The first blog entry I read was titled The Treasure of Thrown Away Food written by Lysa Terkeurst at (in)courage. Somehow through the web that is the internet I made my way to an entry from the blog a holy experience titled The Thousand Gifts…and this was probably the fourth blog entry I read that focused on gratitude.

image originally from blackcat1996

Ok. I get it. The message is clear. God is teaching me a lesson…and it’s a reminder that I clearly need. What happened between yesterday and today that made me so ungrateful? I woke up this morning feeling down about everything I don’t have, rather than being grateful for the many gifts I’ve been lucky to receive.

I have a job. I have amazing friends. I have a loving family. God has granted me another day to live on this earth and spend time with the people that I love so much. I don’t want my view of this world to be clouded by ungratefulness for even another minute.

So, with that, I’m going to start my own list of gifts. From here on out, I’m going to add to my list of things I’m thankful for at the end of each blog entry. The goal will be to get to 1,000 gifts...but hopefully by the time I get there the act of gratitude will be so addictive that I won’t want to stop.

I’m thankful for…
1) Being awake and alive on this glorious morning
2) The flowers my sister sent me for my birthday that are still blooming and beautiful after over a week.
3) Going to concerts with my music loving friends
4) Beautiful days at the beach
5) Emails from the renegades

Have a glorious day!

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

Music Monday 05-24-10

2010-05-24T11:22:00.001-05:00

Rather than featuring another one of my favorite artists, I'd like to highlight the charitable efforts of one of my favorites, who I happenned to highlight in last week's Music Monday...

I saw Imogen Heap in concert for the second time last night, and the show was incredible. She played a lot of songs that she didn't play the last time I heard her, including the song "Let Go" (click here to listen), which she originally sang when she was a part of the talented duo called Frou Frou.

At one point in the show, Imogen did a completely on-the-spot improvised piece. She had the audience vote with applause for the key and tempo of the song, and then she just let her creativity flow for about 5 minutes. The best thing is that Imogen's goal is to sell each improvised song on her website and donate the proceeds from each song to a local charity for each city on the tour.

Please take the time to go on Imogen Heap's website by clicking here and downloading one of her impovised pieces for your chosen city. So far, songs for Detroit, MI and Chicago, IL are on their way to being uploaded.

Also, please take the time to visity the website for the local charity Imogen picked for Chicago, Cease Fire. This is a charity dedicated to eliminating the violence within the city....and after the sad reports from the weekend, we definitely need the help.

Thank you, Imogen Heap, for your creativity and for using your musical talent to make a difference in this world.

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

Creative Crush: Knack Studios

2010-05-21T08:57:00.000-05:00

While scouring the internet one day for design inspiration, I came across the website for Knack Studios. The 'who we are' description on their website grabbed me instantly:

"Knack Studios was born of a passion for discovering home prodcuts that reflect a distinctly urban professional lifestyle. With an eye for detail and a talent for repurposing found objects, Knack offers an eclectic selection of furnishings that are sleek yet warm, detailed but relaxed. Clever Design. Easy Style."

Don't you want to start perusing their site right. this. minute? They have some wonderfully refurbished pieces. Considering I do a lot of repurposing and refurbishing on my own, it's neat to see that others are making a living doing something that I consider to be a hobby. Very inspirational!

Here's a look at a few of their pieces:

(All photos originally from the Knack Studios website.)

Aren't these pieces beautiful? The way that Knack Studios photographs their work makes it even more irresistible. Please click here to view more.

I'm totally inspired to get started on some of my projects. I'm so glad the weather is getting warmer so I can work outdoors on my refinishing projects. Hooray for summer projects!

Live Sweetly :)

Rachel

Unique Finds: Stacking Dinnerware

2010-05-19T15:03:00.000-05:00

Have you ever struggled with trying to find a way to store or display your dinnerware, but you just aren't happy with the way it looks? Well, the A + R Store has a solution for you....Palace Stacking Dinnerware. Each "building" holds a serving dish and either 6 soup bowls, 6 small bowls, 6 small plates, or 6 dinner plates. When not in use, the pieces stack together to make a building. It's genius!

Please view more images of the Palace Stacking Porcelain Tableware here.

Original featured on Design for Mankind

These are definitely being added to my wihs list. When you own the entire block, there are enough dishes for a group of 6. Aren't they amazing? This is the perfect gift for the architect in your family (hint, hint!). I wonder how easy it is to piece the dishes back together once the meal is over...

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

25

2010-05-18T10:57:00.001-05:00

For those of you who don’t know, I celebrated my 25th birthday last weekend. The thing I love the most about birthdays is that it’s a day where you are reminded of how much you are loved. It’s like all of the love you feel over the year gets packed into one day, so by the end of the day my heart is just bubbling over. Thank you to all of my family and friends who made it a very special weekend. I'm reminded every year how lucky I am to have you.

Each year, I usually do some self-reflection in the days preceding my birthday. This year I feel like I’ve done a lot more than usual. 25 is a pretty significant number. It’s a quarter of a century. I’m officially in my mid-twenties. I’m half way to 30. I’m officially an adult. College ended 3 years ago. I graduated from high school 7 years. I’ve had my license for almost a decade.

Time has literally flown by.

There were many years where I felt like time wasn’t moving fast enough for me. I was always waiting for the next thing. In elementary school, summer could never come fast enough. In middle school, I couldn’t wait to be in high school. In high school, I couldn’t wait to be in college. And although college was a blast and I had so many unforgettable experiences, there were definitely times when I couldn’t wait to start my adult life. We spend all of the years leading up to 25 preparing to arrive at this point, and now I’m here and can’t help but think, what’s next?

The scary and exciting thing about the coming years is that I don’t know what’s next. The way that I choose to live the days, months, years that I am blessed to be here on this earth is completely up to me.

I have a lot of hopes, dreams, and goals for the future. Most of them are out of my control, but thankfully He will lead me in the right direction. And while I wait to see what happens as my plan unfolds, there is one thing that I’m sure of….I’m going to spend my time sharing the love that has been given to me.

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

Music Monday 05-17-10

2010-05-17T19:02:00.001-05:00

This coming weekend I am seeing one of my favorite artists for a second time, Imogen Heap. I saw her last fall, and needless to say, I was blown away. I'm heading to her concert with a few of my favorites. It's bound to be a great show!

If you haven't heard her before, please take a few minutes to listen to a some of my favorites:

1. Goodnight and Go
2. Hide and Seek
3. First Train Home

If you like what you hear, you can check out her website here (it's one of the best websites I've ever seen), or purchase her music here.

Music is one thing that makes life sweet. Enjoy!

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

Swing

2010-05-14T10:07:00.002-05:00

Sunset Swing
Originally uploaded by Lumatic

I'm ready to swing into the weekend. I think it's going to be a good one.

Actually, I KNOW it's going to be a good one.

Happy Friday Everyone!

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

Growing

2010-05-12T09:33:00.005-05:00

Le "V" de Versailles
Originally uploaded by ★iPh4n70M★

"There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered."

-Nelson Mandela

Live Sweetly :)

Rachel

Music Monday 03-11-10

2010-05-11T09:56:00.001-05:00

Hello everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful week. I'm back from my European vacation. I was so sad to leave, but I'm really glad to be home all at the same time. I promise to post pictures from my adventures later in the week.

For my post-trip Music Monday, I want to feature the band that opened for Owl City at their concert on Friday Aptil 30th. The band was called Lights. It's always a treat when the opening band is as good, or better, than the band you came to see. Although Owl City put on an amazing show, Lights did a great job of getting the crowd ready for the big show. I love the lyrics to their songs, and the conbination of the backbground beats and the lead singers voice are perfect. I bought Lights' first album before my trip, and I've been listenig to it non-stop all week.

The lead singer, Valerie Anne Poxleitner, plays the keytar, too, which is pretty awesome.

You can listen to samples of their songs and buy the album here.

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

Au revoir! Adios! I'm taking a vacation

2010-04-30T15:38:00.001-05:00

For those of you who don't know, I'm heading off on a European adventure. I'm going back to my second home, Paris, for a few days, then heading to Malaga for visit one of my favorites, Chris. Me and my travel buddy, Amanda, have some fun plans in store for our trip. So, look forward to some good pictures...and even better stories, when I get back!

I won't be able to blog while I'm away, so I hope that you all have a wonderful week!

image from Robin "Evil Bob" A

Live Sweetly :)

Rachel

Creative Crush: Oh So Beautiful Paper

2010-04-30T09:28:00.002-05:00

For those of you who don't know, I'm a bit of a design jack of all trades. I'm an architect full time. I do interior design consulting on the side (new website to come soon...). I design and create invitations (check out the ink.jar blog for some pictures of my work). I refinish furniture. I'm super crafty and always have a creative to do list of things I want to change and/or make for my apartment. I always try to make handmade things as gifts if time allows.

I've been following the blog Oh So Beautiful Paper for a while now. There are some wonderful ideas for invitations on this blog, and I just wanted to highlight a few, in case you are in need of inspiration.

I love the soft colors and use of silhouettes on this invite:

image originally from Seesaw

The photostrip that's included with this invite is adroable...and so fun! :

image originally from the blog, Jeremy & Kathleen

I love, love, love the use of turquoise and green on these invites...total surprise, I know ;) :

image originally from Sycamore Street Press

All of the pieces of this invite are coordinate and yet unique. I love it. :

image from regis ny

Please take some time to browse more of the beautiful things on the blog, Oh So Beautiful Paper. And while you do that...I am going to start playing around in photoshop.

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

Design Inspiration: 3D Stenciling

2010-04-29T10:36:00.004-05:00

When I was younger, I did my fair share of experimenting with stencils. I did my first big stenciling project while I was in elementary school. I decided to stencil flowers along the baseboards of the bedroom I shared with my younger sister. I don't know where the idea came from, but I imagine that I saw it on some show on HGTV (which I usually chose to watch over Nickelodeon as a child). I even experimented with using different colors to create shadows and depth. I don't know if I ever finished the project, to be quite honest. It was an awfully ambitious and time consuming thing for a child to complete, but my attempt definitely shows that you are who you are from the time you're a kid. True to form, I always have a project in the works.

Recently, I was reintroduced to stenciling with a twist. 3D stenciling using plaster or putty can give a wall more interest and depth. Here are some examples:

Images from Designer's Block UK

Images from Faux Daddy Designs Blog

Click here for some easy to follow instructions.

Since I'm a renter, I can't adorn my walls with 3D stencils since it's too permanent. But, I do have some ideas about using this technique on my furniture. I'll keep you posted!

Live Sweetly :)

Rachel

Love

2010-04-27T13:26:00.004-05:00

Heart in a Bible
Originally uploaded by cullum, heather

"Love is not an affectionate feeling, but a steady wish for the loved person's ultimate good as far as it can be obtained."

-C.S. Lewis

Live Sweetly :)

Rachel

Creative Crush: Decorator in a Box

2010-04-27T10:53:00.001-05:00

I have a crush on this week's feature creative for a few reasons:

1) The website is super cute. It's welcoming, informative, and makes me want to hire them instantly.
2) This business idea is genius! What a great way to easily expand your customer base beyond city limits.
3) The brand identity and packaging is so well thought out.

Decorator in a Box helps brings the often expensive services offered by professional interior designers down to a more affordable level for those who need some extra help and guidance, but aren't afraid to do some of the work themselves. It's a perfect idea...and I wish I had thought of it myself!

Please check out their genius website by clicking here.

Originally featured on one of my blog crushes, Design Sponge

I'm certainly inspired by this business model. It just shows that with a simple idea that is presented nicely and well thought out, we could all start our own business. My wheels are spinning after seeing this, and I hope yours are, too!

Live Sweetly :)

Rachel

Faith

2010-04-26T16:28:00.001-05:00

"If you have faith as small as a mustard seed...Nothing will be impossible for you."

Matthew 17:20

Live Sweetly :)

Rachel

Music Monday 04-26-10

2010-04-26T11:51:00.002-05:00

This week the concerts continue with the Owl City show on Friday April 30th. Owl City is probably my favorite artist that I've stumbled upon in the last year, and I couldn't be more excited to see him in concert. His songs have great lyrics and you can't help but feel happy when you listen to his music. Click here to read an interesting interview with Owl City's front man and creator, Adam Young. He's also playing at the Riviera Theatre, which is a venue I've been wanting to check out for a long time...and I'm being joined by a few of my favorites, too!

Lucky for us, Owl City has some songs from his latest album streaming on his website. Please click here to listen.

Enjoy!

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

P.S. If any of you have some music recommendations, I would love to hear them. Leave a comment below. Thanks!

Happy Earth Day!

2010-04-22T15:29:00.005-05:00

Leaf-Heart
Originally uploaded by nature55

Unique Finds: A Ring A Day

2010-04-21T12:58:00.002-05:00

I recently stumbled upon a year long project dedicated to making a ring a day for 2010. Some of the rings are temporary and made of fragile materials, while others are more permanent and could be worn everyday. The ring maker, ColleenBaran, has her work cut out for her, but as shown by her designs so far this year, she has the creative genes to pull this off. I'm inspired to try and make some of my own, too!

Aren't these amazing? I'm starting to see some of my normal household things in a totally different way. So, the next time I need some new accessories, I'll head to the kitchen...or my desk drawer...or even the bathroom!

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

I'll light the sky with my heart.

2010-04-21T12:36:00.003-05:00

I'll light the sky with my heart.
Originally uploaded by e m ♥ i l y

Creative Crush: JordanQuinn Photography

2010-04-19T14:25:00.003-05:00

This is the beginning of a new series featuring the work of creative people who I happen to stumble upon. Well, I'm lucky to call my first creative crush a friend. Her name is Jordan Lukianuk. She is an aspiring professional photographer and owner of JordanQuinn Photography. Over the weekend, some friends and I were her subjects for some very dramatic, high fashion type shoots. We each had our own looks that were designed by Jordan herself. With her direction and creative eye, she helped us each portray a character in some unique settings around Chicago.

Please check out her website here. She does weddings, engagement shoots, special events, and more.

Please view more of her work on flickr by clicking here.

And here are a few of my favorite shots:

Meet Kate, the vintage beauty.

Meet Karen, the hot rock star (and most improved model of the day!).

Meet Emily, the American classic.

And here's me, the American Apparel model wanna be.

One more just for fun.

Please take the time to look through my talented friend's website and just live in her work for a few moments. It's truly amazing. Enjoy!

Live Sweetly :)

Rachel

Music Monday 04-19-10

2010-04-19T08:39:00.001-05:00

This week's artist is a new and up and coming singer songwriter, Andrew Ripp. He opened for Dave Barnes last night. I always feel so lucky whenever the opening act is as good, if not better, than the artist I'm actually there to see. Andrew Ripp left a big impression on me and my concert buddies for the night, Courtney and Jason (thanks for going with me!). His song's lyrics are relevant, meaningful, and poignant, and his voice is incredible. Please have a listen to one of my favorite songs that he played.

Andrew Ripp - It's All Good

Fifty miles to Chicago, there's no fight

She don't care if I'm wrong or right
Hittin' songs on the freedom shelter well I
I don't know if I can reach her cuz
She loves, she loves like a marigold
Never feelin' like I'm growin' old
Come on, come on you give me peace of mind
Every day and all the time

It's all good when you think about it
Well you can laugh about it
It's all good, It's all good

I fell in love with the daughter of Daniel
She took me up to the peak of an aireole
I ain't holdin' on to nothing or no one
When freedom rings with the song made for everyone
But she loves, she loves like a marigold
Never feelin' like I'm growin' old
Come on, come on you give me peace of mind
Every day and all the time

It's all good when you think about it
Well you can laugh about it
It's all good, It's all good

Ooh knock me down, and mama get back up
I feel my heart beatin' with your love
Sunny days, rainy nights
I know and you know and we know
Baby it's alright, it's alright

Fifty miles to Chicago, there's no fight
She don't care if I'm wrong or right
Hittin' songs on the freedom shelter well I
I don't know if I can reach her cuz
She loves, she loves like a marigold
Never thinkin', never feelin' like I'm growin' old
Come on, come on you give me peace of mind
Every day and all the time

It's all good when you think about it
Well you can laugh about it
It's all good, It's all good (x3)

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

Sleeping Beauties

2010-04-16T15:24:00.004-05:00

Random Fact #51: I love babies.

If these don't make you smile, then I don't know what will...

You can find a whole slide show here. Aren't they sweet? I wish I could sleep as peacefully as they are every night. I wonder what they are dreaming about.

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

To Live A Creative Life...

2010-04-16T07:56:00.003-05:00

02-01-10
Originally uploaded by beverly.13

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

50 Things

2010-04-14T16:01:00.004-05:00

50 Random Facts:

1) I love turquoise/teal/blue-green.
2) I drive a red Ford Focus.
3) I have a cat named Babs.
4) I'm 5' 10".
5) I wear a size 11 shoe (except for when I love a pair and try to squeeze into something smaller)
6) I've had 3 nicknames in my life: Rachie, RachD, and Rach.
7) I wear contacts and I'm practically blind without them.
8) I'm running the Chicago marathon on 10/10/10 for the Special Olympics team (Donations appreciated. Please click here.)
9) I used to play piano and wish I still did.
10) I lived in Versailles, France for my junior year in college.
11) Je parle francais.
12) I've worked as an architect for Crate & Barrel for almost 3 years.
13) I live in the cutest one bedroom apartment in Roscoe Village. I'm a little biased.
14) White Christmas is my favorite Christmas movie.
15) I love going to concerts.
16) When I'm hungry, stay away. It's about the only time I'm ever in a bad mood or dead to the world.
17) I love to travel.
18) I was really quiet and shy as a child.
19) I donated my hair to Locks of Love a year ago.
20) I ran cross country in high school.
21) I have two sisters, who are 26 and 23, and a brother, who is 17.
22) I was born in Tampa, Florida.
23) I love doing interior design.
24) I design invitations for fun.
25) I'm crafty.
26) I straighten my hair every morning.
27) I have a jewelry closet full of fun costume jewelry.
28) I like jeans from the Gap the best.
29) I love wearing drapey tops.
30) I like wearing heels even though I'm already tall.
31) I've never dated a guy under 6' 3".
32) Red wine and dark chocolate are my two weaknesses.
33) Breakfast is my favorite meal.
34) I've been to Greece.
35) My birthday is May 15, 1985.
36) I go to Park Community Church.
37) Lilacs are my favorite flower.
38) I love to bike ride along Lake Michigan.
39) Kingston Mines is my favorite place to go out in Chicago.
40) I tried out for America's Next Top Model, but didn't make it.
41) I really like Italian sausage.
42) I'm becoming a real golfer this summer.
43) I love to cook, but prefer recipes that involve 5 ingredients or less.
44) I've been skiing twice in my life.
45) I love going for long walks with friends. More for the great conversations, than the exercise.
46) I love Michigan.
47) I'm really good with kids.
48) I own all of the Harry Potter movies.
49) I took Latin dance lessons two summers ago.
50) I love to eat peanut butter straight from the jar.

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

Words I Love

2010-04-13T10:26:00.001-05:00

Live Sweetly :)

Rachel

Music Monday 04-12-10

2010-04-12T15:43:00.001-05:00

Well, it's official. Spring is here! After a couple weekends of sunshine and warmish weather, Chicagoans are coming out of hibernation. In case you aren't in the mood yet, here's a little mix to help put that extra skip in your step:

1) Mungo Jerry - In The Summertime
2) Johnny Nash - I Can See Clearly Now
3) The Beatles - Here Comes the Sun
4) Curtis King - Sweet Home Chicago
5) Nick Gilder - Hot Child in the City

Enjoy!

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

Unique Finds: Miniature Modern

2010-04-09T08:23:00.001-05:00

My favorite exhibit at the Art Institute of Chicago has always been the Miniature Rooms. For those who haven't been, this exhibit is full of the most intricately designed and detailed doll houses that you'll ever see. Each room comes from a different time period and the colors, fabrics, materials, and even the scenery outside the windows matches the era so perfectly. My mind immediately begins to imagine what it would be like to be a princess living in Louis XIV's chateau, or a young lady of the Victorian era wearing a corset and a gown on my way to an extravagant ball.

The other day I stumbled upon some photographs of miniatures from the modern age. Some day I'm sure I'll look at these and rather than imagine how things could have been in a different time and place....I'll remember how great things were and always have been.

Originally uploaded by annina

Aren't these mini rooms just adorable? I can totally picture my 5th grade self sitting at that tiny desk working on homework, or my current self putting on jewelry in front of the mirror of the sea foam green bedroom. And this got me thinking....since I can't have my dream house right now, maybe I should make my mini dream house? We'll see about that one...

Live Sweetly :)

Rachel

Design Inspiration: Telephone Table

2010-04-08T14:41:00.003-05:00

Even though I'm a child of the technology age, I've always dreamed of having a telephone table with an old fashioned rotary phone sitting atop it. Wouldn't that just be adorable?

I came across the following before and after pictures on the blog Live, Lush & Laugh ...

Before

After

I love how this DIY-er repainted the wood and recovered the seat with some fabric that pops. These images inspired me to start scouring the internet for more telephone tables, and here's what I've found...

...and this one is for sale on craig's list:

If only I had an entryway large enough for one of these adorable tables...or seats...whatever you want to call it. So, yet again I have found another thing that will be saved for my dream house.

Live Sweetly :)

Rachel

Turquoise and Green

2010-04-06T09:08:00.003-05:00

Turquoise and green mosaic
Originally uploaded by the green gal

Two of my favorite colors are featured in this lovely mosaic. It makes me smile on this rainy day.

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

Music Monday 04-05-10

2010-04-05T09:06:00.001-05:00

Over the weekend I was lucky to see Passion Pit in concert. They are currently in the middle of their first tour as a headliner, so this was probably the first and last time that I'll ever get to see them in a small venue and standing about 10 feet away from the stage. They put on a really great show, and ended with my favorite song titled Sleepyhead. Please have a listen...

Passion Pit - Sleepyhead

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

Romans 1: 4-5

2010-04-04T08:44:00.001-05:00

And Jesus Christ our Lord was shown to be the Son of God when God powerfully raised him from the dead by means of the Holy Spirit. Through Christ, God has given us the privilege and authority to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey him, bringing glory to his name. (NLT)

Originally uploaded by David Gunter

Happy Easter! Have a blessed day.

Live Sweetly :)

Rachel

Courage

2010-04-02T07:08:00.003-05:00

Originally uploaded by beverly.13

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

A Golden Afternoon

2010-04-01T08:13:00.007-05:00

Remember the scene in Disney's Alice in Wonderland when Alice is singing along with the flowers? If you don't, at this point in the movie Alice is no more than a few inches tall. Alice stumbles upon a bed of flowers, and they welcome her to the garden with a song. Unfortunately, the scene doesn't end well once they realize that Alice isn't a flower and might actually be a...WEED! But, the song is lovely and it's one of my favorite parts of the movie.

I always think of this song on days like today...and lucky for us, I think we'll be having a golden morning, afternoon and night! Please have a listen. The song is sure to bring a smile to your face if the sun hasn't already done so.

If you'd like to listen to the song, click here.

If you'd like to watch the cartoon version, click here.

Enjoy!

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

Weather Forecast...Spring!

2010-03-31T08:42:00.003-05:00

Purple Flowers in the Sun
Originally uploaded by David 17

Through all the frozen winter
My nose has grown most lonely
For lovely, lovely, colored smells
That come in springtime only.

The purple smell of lilacs,
The yellow smell that blows
Across the air of meadows
Where bright forsythia grows.

The tall pink smell of peach trees,
The low white smell of clover,
And everywhere the great green smell
Of grass the whole world over."

- Smells by Kathryn Worth

Live Sweeetly :)
Rachel

Music Monday 03-29-10

2010-03-29T14:09:00.002-05:00

This week's song is by an artist recommended to me by one of my favorites, Courtney. It doesn't need much explanation. The lyrics are beautiful and the song is simply...sweet. I hope to be singing it to someone someday...

Dave Barnes - God Gave Me You

I’ve been a walking heartache
I’ve made a mess of me

The person that I’ve been lately
Ain’t who I wanna be

But you stay here right beside me
Watch as the storm goes through
And I need you

God gave me you for the ups and downs
God gave me you for the days of doubt
For when I think I’ve lost my way
There are no words here left to say, it’s true
God gave me you

There’s more here than what were seeing
A divine conspiracy
That you, an angel lovely
Could somehow fall for me
You’ll always be love’s great martyr
Ill be the flattered fool
& I need you

God gave me you for the ups and downs
God gave me you for the days of doubt
For when I think I’ve lost my way
There are no words here left to say, it’s true
God gave me you

On my own I’m only
Half of what I could be
I can’t do without you
We are stitched together
And what love has tethered
I could baby, never undo

God gave me you for the ups and downs
God gave me you for the days of doubt
God gave me you for the ups and downs
God gave me you for the days of doubt
For when I think I’ve lost my way
There are no words here left to say, it’s true
God gave me you, gave me you.
Gave me you.

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

Dreaming of Paris

2010-03-26T11:19:00.001-05:00

Last night, one of my favorites (and travel buddy), Amanda, came over and we starting discussing plans for our European vacation coming up in a month.

Thankfully, both of us want to park at a cafe for our Parisian afternoons and look something like this...

And if it happens to rain one day, we'll look like this...

And once we get to Spain to visit another favorite, Chris, we'll be here...

I can hardly wait!

Live Sweetly :)

Rachel

Design Inspiration: Office in a Closet

2010-03-26T08:20:00.003-05:00

This is what I dream of doing in my apartment if I stay another year. I can see it now...teal walls, espresso wood desk, shelves to the ceiling, an inspiration board for pinning up ideas and unique finds. It will be more like my own creativity suite, rather than an office.

Originally from the website Unplggd

Originally from the magiifcent blog Surreal World

Originally from the inspirational Pepper Design Blog (there are lots of other neat ideas here, too!)

With the help of certain handy individuals (you know who you are), this is one design dream that will definitely become a reality. Let the summer project season begin!

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

P.S. Coming soon...before & afters of my apartment. Finally!

P.U.S.H.

2010-03-25T10:22:00.004-05:00

A Little Push
Originally uploaded by stephaniedan

Pray

Until

Something

Happens

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

Music Monday 03-22-10

2010-03-22T08:08:00.001-05:00

Welcome to spring everyone! This week's Music Monday song pick is about finding yourself again and about renewal...a lot like this wonderful season that is coming upon us. Please have a listen and read along because the message is powerful, positive and hopeful.

Eric Benet - Be Myself Again

I've been away too long awhile

I lost my rhythm, I forgot my style
Too complicated for this simple man
But now I understand
Like a circle peg in a square hole
I tried to push it but it wouldn't go
It didn't kill me so my strength increased
And now i finally see

I found a love that was gone deep inside of me
I found a man who was lost and i set him free
I thought that the pain was never gonna end
But now i can be myself again

I had the best the world could offer for sho'
But peace of mind is much more precious than gold
I was in place where truth was hard to find
But it's all revealed in time

Stick out my chest and hold my head up high
Forgot how it felt to feel so good inside
A fool would gain the world just to lose himself
Now i'm gonna be true to no one else

I gotta light in my eyes for the world to see
Thank God the music's back inside of me
It was a long hard road to be a better man
But now i can be myself again
I feel the roll of thunder in my bones
I hold my head up high everywhere that i go
And the gift of life i truly understand
'Cause i can be myself again

No there ain't no wound that love can't heal for sho'
And if you lose yourself the Lord will guide you home
This i know
Well i found a joy and serenity
Won't let nobody tell me something's wrong with me
Gotta big love inside and I'm 'mo set it free
And be myself again

I found a love that was gone deep inside of me
I found a man who was lost and i set him free
I thought that the pain was never gonna end
But now i can be myself again
I feel the roll of thunder in my bones
I hold my head up high everywhere that i go
And the gift of life i truly understand
And i can be myself again
I said i can be myself again
I know i can be myself again
I can be myself again

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

Balance

2010-03-19T11:29:00.004-05:00

Every so often I have found myself in a place in life where I’m in transition. Things are changing and I feel a bit off. Life feels like it is lacking…balance.

When I start thinking about all of the things I have to keep up with…family, friends, faith, work, play, volunteering, hobbies…I get a little overwhelmed. When I add to the mix the goals I have for my life, the changes I’d like to make, and what I need to do to make those changes, my head feels like it might explode.

But then I pause...

Take a deep breath…

Gaze up into the clear blue sky…

And I remember that I don’t have to worry because God is on my side.

Image courtsey of nikki.jane

In the coming weeks, I’ll be making some important decisions that could change the course of my life. This has come as a bit of a surprise since I may be moving on to something that was never a part of the life plan I imagined as a child. But as I’ve said before, God surprises you with opportunities, relationships, and gifts when you least expect it. And oftentimes these surprises are something you may have never expected in the first place.

In the past, I’ve often found that big choices turn into a battle between what my stubborn self wants and what I think He has planned. It becomes a game of weighing each side and finding a balance between me and Him.

I have to come to terms with the fact that ultimately my life is not in my control. I have to trust that everything will be taken care of. I need to listen to where I am being called.

After gazing up into the sky and remembering that He is holding me in his hands, life doesn’t seem so overwhelming. And I realize that I don't need to find that balance anymore…because He will always tip the scale.

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

Question of the Day

2010-03-18T08:04:00.004-05:00

Ice cube falling in a glass of water
Originally uploaded by cactusautobus

Is your glass half full or half empty today?

I feel like mine is bubbling over with LOVE.

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

Hug O' War

2010-03-17T15:32:00.003-05:00

By Shel Silverstein

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

Unique Finds: Clothing Hangar Chandeliers

2010-03-16T10:31:00.005-05:00

Look at these "hangeliers"!

Plastic hangars...

Wood hangars...

You can purchase your very own at the Organelle Design Shop on etsy.com.

Aren't these amazing?? I love repurposing, refurbishing, reusing...

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

She left the Door open

2010-03-16T09:46:00.002-05:00

She left the Door open
Originally uploaded by h.koppdelaney

"When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us."

- Helen Keller, was anAmerican author, activist and lecturer.
Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

Unique Finds: Hanging Chairs

2010-03-15T12:43:00.002-05:00

I would like to have one of these in my dream home...

Originally from Homes & Gardens

Originally from Designers Guild

Originally from Jonathan Adler

And you can purchase one for a great price here. Hopefully they will have more colors and materials available by the time I have my dream house!

Live Sweetly :)

Rachel

Music Monday 03-15-10

2010-03-15T08:22:00.004-05:00

This week's song is by a new artist who I've recently discovered. Thanks to a recommendation from my good friend, Courtney, I've added Amos Lee to my list of favorites.

One of my favorite songs from his latest album Supply and Demand carries the same title. The chorus is so simple, yet so true. I love it.

Amos Lee - Supply Demand

Somethin' gotta give with the way I'm livin'
Seems I'm gettin' down everyday
The more I strive, the less I'm alive
And seems i'm gettin' further away

Oh well all my superstitions
And my crazy suspicions
Of the people that I care about
I've been doin' more screamin'
Than I've been doin' dreamin'
And I think it's time I figure it out

Baby i need a plan
Oh, to understand
That life ain't only supply and demand

I've been goin' joggin' in the park after dark
Draggin' 'round with me my ball and chain
Took southern skies to make me realize
That I'm causin' myself this pain

Well the woman that I'm lovin'
Yeah I'm pushin' and shovin'
Getting further on by the day
And I can't understand
How the heart of this man
Ever let it end up this way

Baby I need a plan
Oh to understand
That life ain't only supply and demand

When the road gets dark and lonesome dear
You can find me here
But honey you don't know where I am
You need a friend, yeah

Life ain't easy
In fact I know it's sleazy
When you're the big man in town
Shakin' religions
And makin' decisions
You never get to slow on down

Well your wife and your baby
You tell them yeah well maybe
“I'll meet y'all at a weekend resort”
But your eyes on the prize
And you can't realize
That your little girl's life's so short

Brother you need a plan
Oh to understand
That life ain't only supply and demand

Yeah sister you need a plan
Oh to understand
That life ain't only supply and demand

Hey, you better figure it out now
You know you ain't comin' back down, yeah
You better figure it out now
You know you ain't comin' back down

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

Bare Branches

2010-03-15T08:06:00.007-05:00

I read the following story from a blog that I follow titled (In)courage . Everyone can relate to the story of being broken but then being brought back to life by God's grace. I know that I certainly can. So, I'm going to share an entry from (In)courage today, rather than write my own because this is something that is too important not to share. And please follow this blog if you are as inspired as I was.

Bare Branches from (In)Courage:

Three and a half years ago my life fell apart.

In one emotionally draining [understatement] week, I lost it all.

My best friend.
My ministry.
My church home.
My peace of mind.
My understanding of where life was going and what the next day/month/year would even look like.

Something died that week.

Do you know that feeling? I think we all do at some level, right?

The realization that, in a moment, so many things housed in the TRUTH category can be ripped out and put in the THAT'S WHAT YOU THOUGHT category.

Painful. To date, the most painful experience I have ever known.

And though details would make this a juicy story and a real tear-jerker, I've never written about it and I won't.

But. What I will tell you about is how God used that experience to change my entire life.

As Bible teacher and author Beth Moore says, "God allows wounding in your life so that He can bring healing."

And that statement, my friends, can have permanent residence in the TRUTH part of your heart.

In the few months after the total destruction of the life I knew, God began to speak to me of His love. At first, my reply was, "Uh. Yeah. Are You serious right now? Cause hello! You just allowed my life to FALL-A-PART. I'm supposed to label that as LOVE?!?"

[Cause sometimes a sarcastic tone is all I can muster. Forgive me.]

I went to a new Bible study during this LOVE season. My heart was broken and in all honesty, I felt a bit lost in my own skin. So anytime someone invited me to something involving God, I went.

The leader passed out a drawing, a tree with a girl standing in front of the trunk, to each of us. The goal, she said, was to add leaves to the tree with words representing all the ways God is using you in the world, yadda yadda blah blah blah. I stopped listening.

I stared down at my tree. And it looked just like me. Bare. Empty. Dead.

My eyes began to focus and see something coming out of the limbs. I grabbed my Raspberry Crayola marker and began to color.

There, in the empty, in the death, in the absolute absence of life, was L-O-V-E.

Can you see it?

When everything was pruned away, there I was, standing under the tree of His love.

Today, if life seems to have thrown you more curve balls than you can even fathom, if all that was true yesterday is suddenly false, if you are broken in the deepest of places,

I'm asking God to draw near to you.

Because somewhere in your bare branches, He is writing His love to you.

by Annie Downs, Annie Blogs

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

Time

2010-03-11T14:38:00.001-06:00

A few days ago I was emailing with a good friend of mine and we were both lamenting about some things that we want but don’t have. During this conversation, I said something that hit me like a ton of bricks after I hit send...

“It’s a weird spot to be in…wanting something because you know in the future

that it will be the right thing, but coming to the realization that it might not be

what you need right now.”

There are a lot of things that I want…a great job that I’ll love going to each day, a home on the water, a man who will be a loving husband and life partner, an end to global hunger, world peace.

Thankfully, God has blessed me with so many things in this life, and ironically, I never even knew I wanted a lot of those things. He surprises you with opportunities, gifts and relationships when you least expect it. And I often surprise myself with the choices that I make as I grow and mature.

One big lesson that I’ve learned is that everything happens for a reason. The timing and placement of those opportunities, gifts and relationships are all a part of my…actually, His plan. And this timing is different for everyone with no one plan being better than the other.

All we have to do is have faith, be patient, and believe because He is looking out for us.

As the old saying goes,

Yesterday is history,

Tomorrow is a mystery,

But today is a gift,

That’s why it’s called the present.

From here on out, I’m going to do my best to be present in the present, focus on the now, and stop worrying about the future…

…because the time I have to be here truly is a gift.

Live Sweetly...and God Bless :)
Rachel

The Journey

2010-03-08T16:14:00.002-06:00

Newport Road After The Rain
Originally uploaded by DMoutray (Denny)

"Patience child, patience. Remember, life is a journey. If you got everything you wanted all at once there'd be no point to living."

-Mastin Kiipp from The Daily Love
Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

Music Monday 03-08-10

2010-03-08T09:06:00.002-06:00

This week's Music Monday is dedicated to the band that I will be seeing on Friday night with my brother...Muse.

I was first introduced to Muse when I lived in France during my junior year of school. I remember watching the music video in the apartment that my roommates and I stayed in during our 5 day trip to Rome, Italy. I've always had a thing for hard rock...surpirsing, I know. This song definitely got me the first time I heard it, and it will forever have a place on my iPod's workout mix.

So, please have a listen:
Muse - Supermassive Black Hole

I'm looking forward to seeing these guys live. It should be a great show!

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

P.S. I realize that I missed Sweet Things Sunday this week. My apologies! I was in Champaign, IL all day watching my Illini play basketball. I hope you all had a great weekend!

Unique Finds: Fruit Bowls

2010-03-05T11:14:00.002-06:00

Look at these beautiful fruit bowls from Helena Schepens

This is one example where form follows function created a unique result! I love them and would purchase more fruit just to display them in their full glory. And they will be in my dream house.

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

Lilacs

2010-03-04T10:43:00.003-06:00

With the first week of March coming to a close, we are getting closer and closer to the first day of spring. And even closer to the few weeks of the year when I can enjoy my favorite flower....

And Spring arose on the garden fair,

Like the Spirit of Love felt everywhere;

And each flower and herb on Earth's dark breast

Rose from the dreams of its wintry rest.

Percy Bysshe Shelley, "The Sensitive Plant"

1. Image from mcsummerchick
2. Image from Imagemakercan
3. Image from Luigi FDV

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

Holy Hugs

2010-03-03T13:43:00.005-06:00

About a month ago, I was blessed with the opportunity to begin serving for GRIP Outreach for Youth as a coach for a program called SLAM. SLAM is held weekly on Monday nights for at-risk youth to come and spend an evening in prayer, fellowship, learning about the gospel, and sports. It’s a huge honor to be a coach, and even in this short amount of time, I can already see transformation in the lives of these kids…and in me.

Last weekend, one of my SLAM girls was baptized. To celebrate and show support, another coach and I piled in a car with 4 other girls and drove to the way south side of Chicago.

As we rounded the corner of 45th and Princeton, we came upon a church called Fellowship Baptist Missionary Church, otherwise known as “The Ship” to its members. I felt like a fish out of water for a few reasons, but mostly the look and feel of this church was nothing like what I’m used to. Well, the look wasn’t that different. It was a brown brick building with some stained glass windows and a big door that lead into the sanctuary. The inside had rows of pews that formed a semi circle around the altar and there were pews behind for the choir. The feeling, though, was different and it struck a chord with me.

This church had ENERGY. The people were EXCITED. The pastor spoke with outbursts of PASSION. The choir sang from deep within their SOULS.

I was amazed and delighted by this difference. The feeling in this church was contagious. I found myself standing up, clapping and dancing along with the opening song with a chorus that was so simple, yet so powerful….

LORD...YOU ARE AWESOME.

Listen to a version of this same song here. It's called Awesome by William Murphy.

This first song was followed by a few others, and then the pastor was introduced. Pastor Jenkins made his way up the aisle with roaring applause from the congregation.

My first thought was, “Why don’t I cheer on and encourage our pastor’s as they take their place at the podium? Why don’t we exalt the church leaders for sharing God’s word at my church?”

Shortly after this thought, Pastor Jenkins said, “Thank you all for coming to join us at The Ship today. We’d like to welcome all of our newcomers. Would all of you first timers stand up so we can welcome you.”

Cori, the other SLAM coach, and I look at each other with wide eyes and slowly stand up. As if we didn’t stick out enough already, now we had to stand up?!? We were both a little nervous. Pastor Jenkins says, “We thank the Lord for bringing you here today. We hope to see you come back again. Everybody, before they sit down, make sure that they get a HOLY HUG!”

Immediately after I look around and see countless pairs of arms wide open ready to give me a hug and welcome me to this church. I was touched. I was no longer an outsider. I had no reason to be nervous. I was welcomed into this church family.

Even though I’m lucky to already have a home at Park Community Church, I plan on going back to The Ship every so often. I don’t want to lose the ENERGY, EXCITEMENT, and PASSION, and I want to feel those things in the depths of my SOUL.

I also want to give lots of HOLY HUGS.

Live Sweetly :)

Rachel

Paris in the Springtime

2010-03-02T09:42:00.005-06:00

Look through this amazing collection of photos of Paris in the Springtime....

Spring Time in Paris Collection-in honor of our Sweet Goodness Springtime in Paris Swap
Originally uploaded by lucy_sweetrepeats

....while listening to this song.

Mark Copeland - I Love Paris

I love paris in the spring time
I love paris in the fall
I love paris in the summer when it sizzles
I love paris in the winter when it drizzles

I love paris every moment
Every moment of the year
I love paris, why oh why do I love paris
Because my love is here

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

Life is a Rollercoaster

2010-03-02T08:01:00.006-06:00

~life is a rollercoaster~close-up
Originally uploaded by taranoel

“Life can be like a roller coaster...

And just when you think you've had enough,
and your ready to get off the ride and take the calm, easy merry-go round...

You change your mind, throw you hands in the air and ride the roller coaster all over again.
That's exhilaration...that's living a bit on the edge...that's being ALIVE."

-Stacey Charter

Music Monday 03-01-10

2010-03-01T08:16:00.004-06:00

For Lent this year, I decided to do makle a promise to devote my time commuting to work for prayer and listening to Christian music. So far, it has been great! I've actually begun to look forward to driving in the car, which is amazing after having spent almost 3 years with an hour long drive to and from work.

Since this Music Monday falls in the middle of Lent, it's the perfect time to share one of the songs that I keep replaying over and over on my morning drive. This song is by an amazing Christian artist named Jeremy Camp. His story is truly inspiring, and his lyrics get right to the heart of things. Please read along as you listen.

Jeremy Camp - Take A Little Time

I picture all the things that I have seen,
All the broken hearts and tainted memories,
All I see are, all these needs.
I'm tired of my selfish tragedies.
It's time that we show,
The hope that we all know.

And, take just a little time,
To give your hand,
See the world,
And take just a little time and try to understand,
That there's more going on,
Than what these eyes can see.

I came across this torn down empty street.
How helpless that I felt,
A burning urgency,
And all I see in front of me,
Are all the faces fading from this vacant scene.
It's time that we show,
The hope that we all know.

And take just a little time,
To give your hand,
See the world,
And take just a little time and try to understand,
That there's more going on,
Than what these eyes can see.

I know it all seems complicated,
There's nothing more that could be stated,
Now, is the time to kneel,
Reaching out to what is real,
So many times I've hesitated,
How much I feel my heart is aching, now.
Ohh, now.

And take just a little time,
To give your hand.
Take just a little time,
To give your hand,
See the world,

And take just a little time and try to understand,
That there's more going on,
Than what these eyes can see.

I wish everyone a blessed day and a glorious week. Only 3 weeks until the first day of spring!

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

Sweet Things Sunday

2010-02-28T21:38:00.003-06:00

This Sunday's sweet thing is friends. I have the best friends that a girl could ask for, and it became clear how lucky I am when I had to pick between pictures to put on today's post. So, here is a random sampling of the special women who I am lucky to call my friends.

"Friendship is the golden thread that ties the heart of the world."

John Evelyn

Live Sweetly :)

Rachel

Stick Together

2010-02-26T08:02:00.004-06:00

photo originally posted by Pirates and Fireflies

"And it is still true, no matter how old you are, when you go out into the world it is

best to hold hands and stick together.”

Robert Fulghum

Live Sweetly :)

Rachel

Live What You Love

2010-02-24T14:28:00.001-06:00

I just bought the following poster on etsy.com....

from hijrik studio

Live what you love...a small sentence, with a big message. I think this will be my new motto :)

You can purchase your own here.

Live Sweetly :)

Rachel

Who Should I Cheer For?

2010-02-23T15:27:00.003-06:00

A little over a week ago, I had the opportunity to spend and evening with my cousin, Sam. Sam is a sweet 6 year old boy who I have been lucky to watch grow up since he lives in one of Chicago’s neighborhoods that isn’t to far from me.

On this particular Friday evening, Sam’s parents were juggling responsibilities between the two kids…and on this particular evening, Sam’s mom and dad were committed to waiting in line all night out in the cold at one of Chicago’s local park districts in order to get Sam at the top of the waiting list for a baseball league (which is supposedly the best in the city). Sign up began at 10:00 am on Saturday morning, and my uncle learned after a failed attempt last year that parents begin lining up the day before to secure their child a position. Raising children in the city hasn’t always proved to be easy for my aunt and uncle, but they are dedicated to making sure that their kids will still have the same experiences as children in the suburbs even though it may require a larger effort on their part. Through this, they are showing their kids how much they love and care for them, and Sam is a true reflection of this…

When Sam was over, I convinced him to watch the opening ceremonies for this year’s Winter Olympics with me. Of course it took a little negotiation, and we agreed to first watch an episode of his latest obsession, The Pink Panther.

Between the old cartoon (which Sam thought was hilarious…I love having my apartment filled with the sound of a child laughing) and the start of the opening ceremonies, the video for the 25th anniversary of “We Are the World” had its world premiere, which you can see here. Since the song was redone in order to raise money for Haiti, footage of the earthquake’s aftermath was intertwined with footage of the talented artists and celebrities.

I found myself wanting to rewind the video to see which musicians, singers and songwriters were featured. I wanted to make sure that my favorite artists were a part of this awesome collaborative effort. However, Sam was just sitting there with his jaw dropped.

Part way through the song, Sam asked, “Rachel, why are those people standing on top of their homes?”

I said, “Well, their homes were ruined by the earthquake so they’re standing on what’s leftover.”

He then says, “Oh…there are people who have to live like that?”

Trying to use this as a teaching moment, I say, “Unfortunately, Sam, there are people in the world who aren’t as lucky as you are. There are people in the world who don’t have clean water to drink, or food to eat, or even a nice home to live in. We are very lucky and we need to thank God everyday for everything that he’s blessed us with.”

He says, “Yeah, you’re right.” Then after thinking for a minute, Sam looks at me with a furrowed brow and says, “Rachel, I’m not sure who to cheer for. Should I cheer for Haiti or the US?”

I was surprised at Sam’s sweet and thoughtful question. After watching the countries walk out, we realized that there was no one from Haiti participating in this year’s Olympics, but Sam’s question had me asking myself a question about my life…

…who am I cheering for?

Colossians 3:23

Live Sweetly :)

Rachel

Quieting the Noise

2010-02-23T09:21:00.004-06:00

Twilight Tree Line
Originally uploaded by Kirpernicus

"We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature - trees, flowers, grass - grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence... We need silence to be able to touch souls."
- Mother Teresa

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

Music Monday 02-22-10

2010-02-22T11:53:00.005-06:00

I realize that Music Monday isn't the most original idea, but Monday seems like a great day to share some of my favorite songs of the moment. I really like alliteration, too. :)

And my life wouldn't be nearly as sweet without the soundtrack that goes along with it....

Here are some of my current (and past) favorites:

Passion Pit - Little Secrets

Owl City - >I'll Meet You There

Carla Bruni - >L'Amour

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

Sweet Things Sunday

2010-02-21T16:51:00.001-06:00

This Sunday's sweet thing is my family....

"Other things may change us, but we start and end with family."
-Anthony Brandt

I hope you all had a great weekend.

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

My First Post

2010-02-19T19:14:00.002-06:00

Hello there, readers,

First I would like to introduce myself. My name is Rachel. I live in the Roscoe Village neighborhood of Chicago. I love to be crafty, redesign my apartment, help my friends with designing their apartments, spend time with my family and friends, experience new things in the city…the list could go on. Most of all, though, I am on a quest to live in my sweet spot.

The inspiration for my quest (and this blog) comes from a book that I recently read by Max Lucado titled “>Cure for the Common Life: Living in your Sweet Spot.” I came across this book during a time of transition. I’m a mid-twentysomething who is finding herself at a bit of a crossroads. I’ve been out of college for almost 3 years (scary!). I live in one of the greatest cities in the world. I have the best group of friends that a girl could ask for. I work for a great company with a job that I’ve dreamed of having since I was young. I could list the blessings in my life for days and days. However, I still don’t feel that I am living in my sweet spot. I don’t feel like I’m living in that place where I’m using my strengths to their fullest potential to make the biggest impact on this earth. I want to find that place so the rest of my days can be lived…sweetly.

So, here I will be sharing many sweet sentiments from my corner of the internet world…with hopes that someday I will find that one big thing that brings me to my…sweet spot.

Live Sweetly :)

Rachel