What do ya know, another change. Another layout. Another style.
Same ol' girl.
Yet, so incredibly different.
Each day seems to bring so much newness.
But somehow stays the same?
I don't know how to keep up. 

This blog has seen so many changes and directions. 

Neglect as of late.  

I think that that's a good thing, though; 

Because it shows my ever evolving life....

and beliefs and desires and priorities and phases.
It's beautiful really.

Growing. 

Learning. 

Hurting. 

Suffering. 

Joy. 

Happiness. 

I don't want to neglect it anymore. I don't want this point in my life to be lost in translation. I feel it in my heart; these few years, this decade of the 20 somethings, will some of the most life shaping times of my life. No, no more neglect.

"I'm not a girl,
Not yet a woman.
All I need is time,
A moment that is mine,
While I'm in between."- Britney Spears. 

I get it now Brit. 

And yes. I did just quote B. Spears.

New York, New York... HERE I COME!

It's official, NYC and I will FINALLY meet!!! I just booked my flight this morning and what better time to be in the big apple than on New Years Eve?! Words cannot contain my excitement :)
A monumental THANK YOU to THIS GIRL for making this trip a possibility. I could not think of a better person to ring in the new year with! :)

And in honor of my NYE in NYC:

"Nothing beats New York on New Years Eve."- Robert De Niro

I have a feeling you're right Bobby.

The Sam Sleepover 2011 + a lil' country time

I don't care how old we get, we are NEVER too old for a sleepover :) This weekend I'm going to not only celebrate the 4th, but also have a sleepover with some of my favorites, most of whom I haven't seen since my going away party! 

via

Then after that, it's off to the countryside where I will be spending time with family to celebrate our country's freedom! 

To say I'm keen for this weekend is a definite understatement! 

I hope you all have a great 4th of July weekend and it's filled with lots of love, laughter, and good times! I'm looking forward to hearing about all your holiday endeavors.

Until then :)

Guess who's back!!!

Well friends, 

I'M HOME!!!!! 

I'm officially back in the states and man does it feel weird! Weird in a good way, of course. I just can't believe 6 months have come and gone. Wasn't I just sitting in this very room (well you guys can't see me, but I was) writing about how nervous I was and vlogging how incredibly nerve racking it was that I was leaving so soon. And now here I am; home from one of the best, if not the best, adventures of my life! It was such a great experience and I miss my friends that I made so incredibly much. But, I know that every good thing must come to an end at some point in time. I'm just so thankful for the time I was given. 

Now, I must say I'm really excited to get back into the groove of blogging again :) 

A big THANK YOU to all of you guys that have stayed with me and encouraged me so much throughout these last 6 months. You guys are all sensational and it mean so much to me! I probably will still be chatting about the land down under for awhile. I mean, it is my second home and all! However, I can't wait to see what this next chapter of my life has to offer. Join me for it, won't you?! 

Sceinc Glory Shop!

I'm SO proud to announouce (for those of you who didn't already know) that my wonderful friend, Lindsay from Scenic Glory, has just opened up her new shop and I couldn't be happier for her! She was my very first interview on Love Never Fails and I was also Lindsay's very first blog design just less than a year ago. Now, in this past year, she has transformed her love/passion/dreams for all things creative into a full blown success! No one is happier for her than I am and this is just the beginning. So many great things are ahead for this awesome lady!

I have already bought my first piece of love :) Can't wait to show you guys when it comes in. Just in time for some summer time fun! Head on over to her shop and get yourself something nice today!

To Lindsay:
Words cannot express just how proud I am of you, or even more so how incredibly happy I am for you! We've come so far since those first phone conversations and I cannot wait to reconnect once I return home. This is only the beginning for you, my love, and what an amazing, bright future you have ahead! I feel so fortunate to call you my friends :) Love you deary.

well look who it is...

I'M BACK! 

What a great vaca :) 

But I must say that I am extremely happy to be back home with my aussie mates.

And of course to talk to you lovely people! There where so many times I wanted to tell you guys about all the many gorgeous ((and crazy)) things I got to see.

However, just because I am back doesn't mean life has slowed down one bit!

{That's how it should be, right?}

Tonight I am off to the city to see some dinosaurs, naked people dancing, listen to up-and-coming DJ's, and if I'm lucky... Get some serious body painting done. 

Go check it out!

And for all those that love their facey... Go see some rockin' photos.

Also, stay tuned this week to upcoming posts. I have SO MUCH to tell/show you guys :) 

Until next time my beautiful friends!

Time To Fly!

I'm leaving friends... I'm catching that big bird in the sky and am gonna ride it all the way to the Gold Coast and then top it off a few days later with the WhitSunday Islands. Oh, how I LOVE Australia :) 

I hope you all have a lovely week ahead of you.

Keep smiling -xo

Rain

I adore the rain... It's trickling down outside my room right now, hitting the window sill, and so softly hitting the ceiling. It's times like these I just have to look to sky and whisper, "thank you." 

"Cause' tomorrow's another day, and I am not afraid.. So bring on the rain."

Jo Dee Messina

Carrigan and I REALLY need your help!!

So, my baby is in desperate need of a photo bag guys... No better yet, a purse. She's being lugged around in this ol' thing and it's just not workin' for me {or her} anymore. 

I want to carry her in the bag she not only deserves but one that I can actually use as a purse as well! 

So, this is where you guys come in. Where would you suggest I find a cute purse/bag for Carrigan to reside in? I'm thinking something along the lines of these bad boys (but maybe not so expensive) I know, I know. Wishful thinking..

Or of course, the mother of all cute camera bags... THEIT. 

Oh don't you worry, it's all sold out after being showcased on The Daybook :)

SO! Whatcha say guys?? Where can I find something suuuuper cute and suuuuuper affordable?! {Or is that even possible?} 

Carrigan and I really appreciate your help :)

Coming to you live from the land down under!

And here are a few random favorites of the trip thus far.... I apologize for the blurriness and not-so-pretty coloring of the photos. Limited quota.. what can you do?! 
Much love pretties.

A New Life...

... Is there anything more beautiful?

Suddenly, the big things don't seem so big anymore, and the problems seem so minuet.

Thank you baby Lexie, for showing me what really matters. 

I do believe in love at first sight.  

A few things you don't wanna miss...

A quick reflection for this Saturday's post:

• It's officially one week until I depart for Australia!
• Don't forget the photo swap. There's a theme this week, yeah!
• DON'T FORGET TO ENTER OUR FIRST EVER GIVEAWAY!

Hope you're having a great weekend so far friends!

Looking the part... And trying not to freak out about it

So, my departure date keeps getting closer and closer (FEB 12TH!!!) and I am starting to get hit with the reality of it all. One of the major reality checks: PACKING. 

Holy guacamole. And not the good kind either. Everytime I think about it I start to hyperventilate. I am one of those "over-packers". I admit. I am. And it honestly hasn't been a problem (k, maybe a nuisance) but never a problem.. until now. 

Friends, I'm going to be MOVING to Australia and I am being told that my luggage MAX= 2. TWOOOOOOOO. Like, one then two.. done. 

Do you know how hard that is going to be be?! To move somewhere with just two bags. I could take up a full luggage just carrying my dang shoes! (heels and boots take up a lot of room you know)

It's also summer there, so having to look at snow outside my window then picture hopping off the plane to sunshine and beaches.. That's a little odd too. 

And honestly, what the heck does an Australian wear anyway!??!

So yeah.. You can see my problem. 

Luckily, I have people like The Sartorialist, Suitcase Secrets, Passports and Prada, and the Fancy Flea to help guide me through my packing/dressing endeavors! 

 

Any of my amazing readers have any packing tips?! Or any of my other Aussies out there wanna give me a few pointers?! I AM ALL EARS!

Sam, where will you actually be staying in Australia?!

Oh, great question!
I'd be happy to show you :)

Less than ONE MONTH GUYS!! ONE. MONTH. 

Campus East here I come :)

This is for you... Yes, you :)

Guys, I love you. For reals. 

I wish I had the time or opportunity to personally comment, email, text, call, hug, and chat with each and every single one of you. Because your words mean that much to me. YOU, mean that much to me. 

I cannot tell you how much your kind love and support (even if it's just a simple follow, a short hello, or a deep meaningful message) means to me. I know I've said all this before but I just want to remind you all how much your words and love impacts my life! I'm sorry I don't get to respond or comment back to all of you. I wish I could, and I promise I do try to leave love as much as possible. Genuine love. Because you guys are great and deserve the best! Your kindness has brought so much positive light into my world. Please, know that I do cherish every single word you that you guys have to say. I hope you also know that you mean the world to someone :) 

All my love, 

Sam.


PS... 
Comments disabled. This post is all about my appreciation for YOU!

1-1-11

Ahhh New Years... 

How I love thee.

Hopefully this wasn't any of you guys last night, ha! Love it. 

But serious, I hope you guys are all safe and sound back to where you like to call 'home' and are smiling as you reminisce on all the good times you had saying goodbye to 2010!

Got any good stories?! Please, do tell!

a little bit of this, a little bit of that

Just a little {honest} contemplation...

I like.

• I like when someone calls {not just a text} just to say hi. 
• I like when my great grandparents tell me they love me because they don't tell anyone else.
• I like when my hair does exactly what I want it to.
• I like a good pair of jeans. 
• I like REAL friends... not fake ones. 
• I like movies. 
• I like books. 
• I like knowing that the feelings I have towards someone (friend or other) are reciprocated. 
• I like knowing I have no control even though I wish I did. 
• I like carbs. Lots and LOTS of carbs. 
• I like my love handles. {K, that's a lie but if I say it enough.. maybe one day I will believe it}
• I like knowing I have a God that loves me no matter what.
• I like a beautiful soul. They are hard to come by. 
• I like wine.
• I like my dogs.
• I like my blog. 
• I like my readers and comment leavers. 
• I like a lot more things that would make this list entirely too long.

 I want.

• I want to drink from mason jars more. 
• I want to have a dog in my life until I am no longer here.
• I want to take a photography class. Or two, or three.
• I want to be successful. But not 'society's' definition of successful... My own definition.
• I want a BIG German Shepard. 
• I want to travel as much as possible. 
• I want to help in a third world country. 
• I want to help in my country. 
• I want to adopt. 
• I want to do so many things it hurts...
• I want to laugh more than I cry. 
• I want to have clear skin. 
• I want to give more than I receive. 
• I want to be a good example of Christ. 
• I want to make good grades but at the same time never study. 
• I want twin boys {eventually}. Carter and Zane. 
• I want love. All around me, feel good, can't stop smiling, kiss everyone, hug all, and harm no one kind of love. 

Now friends... 

It's your turn. 

Spill!

Or just tell me one little thing.

I wanna hear anything you have to say. 

It can be from the deepest desire, 

to the silliest of likes, 

or just a random fact you want to share.  

Let me hear it! 

You might even surprise yourself with what you have to say...

Friends and the 'Mike Alike'

What do you do when friends you haven't seen in  
over 3 years come to town and surprise you with a visit?!?!

Have one amazing weekend! That's what. 

So amazing, that words cannot even do it justice. 
So, I guess I shall not try...

But goodness! Can someone please tell me how I had one of the best weekends in what feels like forever {besides my AMAZING birthday, of course} and didn't a single picture of any it! What is wrong with me?! Ah, I really want to kick myself. 

Well, hold on. I guess I can't say I didn't get "any" pictures. I DID document my attire from one of our 'going out' nights. I wanted to see what all of my lovely readers thought about it!  I call this jacket the 'Mike Alike' attire. Can we all agree this is a Michael Jackson jacket?! {R.I.P}

And look(!) I even broke out the tights again. I swear, best $10 ever spent. 

Ladies, go. get. a. pair.

This time, I wore them with tall back boots ((with a heel--we love heels)). 

I was feeling pretty good for just getting done working my SECOND double of the weekend at Powerhouse. It's amazing what a little makeup and fresh clothes can do for a girl!

Happy Monday friends :)

Operation Marilyn Monroe

As I said a few posts back, I planned on being Marilyn Monroe for Halloween this year (because I love her so) and that plan was a full on success! The wig took some time to get used to (after all it, when it comes to wigs, cheap isn't really a good way to go) but after awhile the hair and I became one. I wish I would have gotten more pictures but hey, what can ya do. There were SOOOO many unique and creative ideas, I was very impressed. We had an A+ time :)

Roommates:

Nemo, Katy Perry, and Marilyn.

Isn't her fin just the cutest?

Group Pic from Left to Right and Top to Bottom: 

Showgirl, Nemo, Marilyn, Katy Perry, Hooters Girl, and Bonnie (Bonnie & Clyde)

Trick or treat, smell my feet. Give me something good to eat!

Is October really almost over?! Did I really turn the big 21? Wasn't I JUST blogging about how exicted I was that October was here?! Wasn't it just 75-80 degrees outside? What's going on?!

Life is passing by faster and faster each day. It's crazy to think about. However, with the end of the 10th month approaching, one cannot help but get excited because that can only mean one, no two things; HALLOWEEN AND HOMECOMING!  Although, I sure do wish our homecoming was a little bit more extravagant like Oklahoma State's homecoming.:

(TO ALL MY OSU FRIENDS: CAN YOU FIND YOURSELF IN THIS CLIP?!)

I can't complain too much about the UofA homecoming celebrations... It's pretty hard to top THAT!

And of course, how can we not talk about Halloween. Last year's Halloween was a total bust for me and my friends. Not a single one of us dressed up. ((What were we thinking?!)) So what if we're all over the age of 13.... That doesn't matter. So, needless to say that this year we are going to redeem ourselves and go alllll out! I am going to be the oh-so-wonderful, Marilyn Monroe! For those of you who know my obsession I know you aren't surprised. I was reminicsing and over the years I have done....

  The toga thing...

 

The Dorothy thing...

 

The school girl thing...

 

The cowgirl thing...

 

And of course, the 80's thing...

 

Out of alllll those costumes, I have NO IDEA how Marilyn hasn't happened yet. But, no fear friends! She will be most certainly be out this Saturday! Have a great weekend with what ever you decide to do, but of course

BE SAFE! 

Much love.