Moving Sale!

Hey friends! Just wanted to let you know we're picking up and heading over to the new site. Please follow along if you can. I look forward to seeing all of you at SongBird!!

www.iamasongbird.com

Time flies when your having....

FUN!  As much as work has been a bit crazy, workouts are killing my legs and I have barely any cash to my name, I can honestly say I am totally, completely content with life!  Moving out was just the start of really feeling my independence kick in.  Maybe my endorphins are just buzzing from my ultimate work out tonight, but I really feel like I can take on the world.  Sure I have set backs... and I even found myself pulling into the Y parking lot only wanting to turn around and go home (weather was nuts, I was tired)  but I kept going.  You work through the stress, through the pain, towards an idea that you can do anything you put your mind to. Most of my readers know I'm really big in the power of positive thinking.  When I have negative people around me I feel their negativity working against me, pulling me into a vast pit of self doubt. That's why I try to surround myself with positive people, workaholics who love life and will walk through set backs with ease, grace and good fashion :)  I can't  say there are never days when I feel down or a bit unsure.  But right now, I get it.  I'm taking whatever I'm handed and working it to the best of my ability.  

Things, people, lifestyles, art, fashion, other bloggers - they are all inspiring me right now!

Here are a few that I surely love and THANK for doing they're thing!

Angie @ http://angiegoboom.com/

Alissa @ http://www.thecorporatechick.com/

Ashley @ http://getreale.blogspot.com/

Adam @ http://www.arterx.com/

Jessica @ http://whatiwore.tumblr.com/

Kim @ http://kimkardashian.celebuzz.com/ (love her!)

Who Dat!? @ http://www.neworleanssaints.com/ (Who Dat there gonna beat them Saints!)

What keeps you motivated and inspired???

Ladies dine at Luxe

I know I said I would be writing about Root Cafe tonight, but I think my Monday night adventures will be more exciting. Monday was a crazy day at work... it literally sucked. Luckily I had dinner plans with 6 wonderful friends, which made pulling off the side of the road to send an excel sheet to a client so much more worth it! I was 30 minutes late to dinner at Luxe because of that spreadsheet I can't complain too much, that grid is the reason I get paid.

I walked into the loungy restaurant and was greeted by Katie, Sarah, Jamie, Candice, Maggie and Laura - all of my favorite girls from Willoughby we were missing Annie, she wasn't feeling well. The girls and I have been doing this new thing, every two weeks we meet at a new restaurant. It started on New Years Eve at Momocho, mid January at The Greenhouse Tavern and Monday at Luxe. Our good friend Dylan works at Luxe and they have amazing happy hour specials which were both an added bonus! I slammed 3 hoegaardens in very little time (buy one get one... don't judge) and was so happy to be in good company. The girls always know what to say and how to cheer me up... I won't tell you what candice said and did in the mens bathroom, but it was epic! The food was great, conversation was awesome and I realized where I learned to drink like a fish. The night ended with me rushing to the Y to swim a mile. A few words of advice; Don't drink and Swim....

L to R: Jamie (and baby), Sarah, Katie, Laura

Maggie and Candice

Sarah and Katie sharing a moment

Luxe is located in the Gordon Arts District along the Detroit Shoreway

Turn to ICE

Yesterday A. and I snuck out of work early to travel down to Columbus and see two or our favorite artists. A. had introduced me to both Owl City and Lights early in the summer of 2009 and I became a bit addicted to the electropopmusic that was coming through the speakers. I can still remember driving through Wlby Hills one Saturday afternoon this July, trying to keep up with LIGHTS crazy lyrically verse in ICE...

I'm looking at you looking at me, what can I do but say sorry

It's a little late but you know I just want you to be happy.

What I got to say to make you let me get away with it this time.

I know you're upset and that you're happy just to sit and hate me,

But I'll make a bet that you'll be better to forget about me,

Even better yet I'll let a little light melt the ice, ice baby!

She sings all that in under 20 seconds and its hilarious if you ever catch me singing along in the car.

All-in-all the evening was charged with two 20-somethings watching two 20-somethings fulfill their life long goal. This produced a 30 minute road trip conversation about life and how both A and myself are ready to fully immerse ourselves in side projects. I really want this blog to keep me and its followers (that have been so awesome and helpful) empowered.

Whether it's just the starting block of something bigger, or the ultimate success story, Songbird will be my in! People are gonna love me! just kidding :) ----- S

LIGHTS and Me after an awesome show in Columbus, Ohio

http://www.iamlights.com/blog

http://owlcitymusic.com/blog.aspx

I am a Song Bird

I have been working very closely with my friend Adam of Arterx to re energize my blog. Adam approached me with the simple thought that maybe Studio Space was just a bit "tough" for me. I agreed and set out on a adventure to find my true name. I hit up Polyvore for some inspiration and realized Adam knows me better than I thought. He kept using words like "organic" and "soft" and I couldn't agree more! Below is the set I passed along to ATF for some inspiration. Its riddled with my need to create, love and cherish everything around me.

Vintage Avocado by studio_space featuring Forever21

I have found a new name and have realized there is this little birdie inside of me that has been dying to get out. I can't wait to see what Arterx comes up with :)

Now I set off to learn HTML code, any words of wisdom are encouraged and appreciated!

The Young and The Restless

I think I have been denying myself my youth lately. After a W on the board for Team Arterx, our team went to the Lincoln Park Pub in Tremont for a few celebratory drinks. We somehow got onto the age game. Everyone on the team is late 20s, early 30s or older. I on the other hand am sitting pretty at 23 yrs of age. "Well, I was born in 1986." A little laughter crawls over the table. J. Byrne reminds me of something I have forgotten lately; an idea that got lost among the bills, grocery shopping and apartment decorating. "Shelley, your like in your prime right now!" You know what, I totally agree.

Lately I have fallen into the pattern of single, working girl/domestic goddess. I rarely go out and have even skipped out on my weekly bottle of wine, due to bills, dates with my Swiffer Wet Jet and the gym. I'm very happy for my accomplishments in life thus far in my life - Graduated from college, found a great job, got a place of my own.... I have followed all the rules, well most of them - I deserve to get out and celebrate once and a while. Which is why I am so glad I went out with my friends in Willoughby on Friday night...

Sarah and I got a few drinks at 1899 in DTW. We had a couple hours by ourselves and than the boys came to meet up with us. All was well in the world and I had a great time! Saturday, as I mentioned was the first Winter Football Game. Unfortunately I was completely exhausted after Friday nights (err mornings) rendezvous til 8am, football and 4 beers, that by the time I got home at 3:45pm today, I passed out til 8.... It was well deserved don't you think??

I had to drag myself out of my warm bed; I only ate chips and guac for the day so I figured food was necessary. Giant Eagle, late night, is like being on the set of a scary movie. Bread looks different under the dark shadows of the store running at half electrical power. The deli, butcher and seafood windows are cleared and blacked out. The rent a cop in aisle 4 makes you feel like you just committed a crime for checking the nutrition facts on 100 calorie popcorn. Luckily, no cart traffic made shopping a breeze and I was able to escape unscathed

So now, here I am watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer reruns, eating 100 cal popcorn and wondering why I can't have a secret vampire relationship like Spike and Buffy...

Pop corn, reruns and vampire fantasies on a Saturday night. Maybe I am ready to grow up.

You watch football... I'll go to target

Currently sitting at my parents house finishing #4 of 4 loads of laundry. The TV is showing the Browns game and the radio is playing the Steelers game. I grew up in a house divided: Dad is a Browns fan and Mom bleeds Black and Gold. I'm willing to watch both, but I lean more towards the stillers. I enjoy watching football, but all you crazy Browns fans I just drove by while passing the Stadium are nuts! I mean its like 10 degrees outside. Than again, our touch football team practiced yesterday for about an hour in the same weather - first game is this Saturday!

So instead of watching the first half of the Browns game/listening to the Steelers game, Madre and I went to the local Target. Steffie and Chase came along too! It was a family affair at The Bullseye. I got some rugs for the kitchen, mom got some things for the house, and Chase got a new dinosaur coloring book. The kid loves dinosaurs!

He also loves my socks. Chase is my nephew for those of you who aren't familiar. He is also one of my god sons and the smartest 2 year old I know. Here he is lounging on top of my funny purple socks.

Tonight, I have big plans and they involve an Elliptical. Anyone have song suggestions to add to my new work out mix??

Enjoy the evening!

-S

44 things you might not know about me...

1. I love to be in the kitchen. I feel it is the heart of every home.

2. Natalie Wood is my favorite female actress, and even though Christopher Walken is a great actor, I still believe he had a role in her death.

3. I have a slight fear of heights and an even greater fear of dark water - and I have been swimming competitively since I was 8 years old

4. I tell my mother most everything, but have not been able to tell her I'm a social smoker.

5. I strongly believe in the power of positive thinking

6. Pam and Jim's relationship on The Office is amazing, I can't wait to find my best friend.

7. I do not like being in a car or plane for more than 2.5 hours

8. I would really enjoy going to the Olympic Games once in my lifetime

9. I love performing arts. Opera, ballet, concerts, Broadway... love it

10. I enjoy watching old dance movies that feature Gene Kelly - An American In Paris is my favorite

11. While I was in middle school, my family and I lost all our belongings in a house fire. If my mom wouldn't have woken up, we could have lost my father as well. I never take anything for granted. Life is too precious.

12. I believe I am equal parts of both my sisters. I have the positivity and creativity of my sister Sara; strength and humor of my sister Stefanie.

13. Most people hate hospitals. I don't - I still think about becoming a nurse

14. I enjoy listening to covers of The Beatles; Across the Universe and I Am Sam are favorite soundtracks of mine

15. I think Turkey Hot Dogs are amazing

16. I am completely obsessed with Diet Dr. Pepper and not ashamed to talk about all 23 flavors

17. I have fallen in love, but was not loved the same in return - I hate the feeling of a broken heart, its as if an elephant just came and sat on your chest.

18. My parents have been married for 30 years and are still going strong- they are a great inspiration to me

19. Penny Lane - Kate Hudson's character in Almost Famous - is a profound inspiration in my life. "It's all happening."

20. My friend doesn't know, but I started crying at the LIGHTS concert when I realized I would never be as skinny as she is

21. I love to write people. Everyone feels special when they receive mail and I like to make people feel special.

22. Out of the 5 love languages - physical touch is my first love language. words of affirmation is my second

23. I love to dance, and I think I'm pretty good at it

24. I steal my neighbors wireless

25. I have a fascination with wearing lingerie under normal day clothes. I like that I'm the only one that knows

26. I love the smell of chlorine on someones body after they have been swimming.

27. I read Eat Pray Love and decided I would learn Italian - I stopped trying after 2 weeks.

28. I have never been out of the country and am totally willing to suffer through the flight to jump the pond

29. I had braces for 5 years and still think my teeth are messed up

30. I have never been ice skating or skiing/snowboard - I'm hoping to change that this winter

31. When I'm upset, the two people I turn to are my parents. They have a way of saying exactly what I need to hear - Usually a hug and "I love you"

32. I believe that I will die by drowning - so does mom. She had reoccurring dreams of me drowning when I was a baby.

33. My dream house is a large house, New England style, wood floors, white linens, french doors and windows that are constantly open, wispy tall grass, a willow tree, and a large lake in the front (possibly the one that will take my life)

34. While in college I studied Fashion Merchandising with hopes of one day owning my own eclectic boutique. I'm a bit off track right now with my 10 year plan, but I hope to get there... one day.

35. I have only been in one legitimate labeled relationship and it lasted 4 months. I was a freshman in college and he took everything. We still talk here and there.

36. My grandmother died when she was 68. I wonder what she would have done at my age if she knew 1/3 of her life was over. I have started to live every day as if it were my last.

37. Although I don't go to church regularly, I still feel a spiritual connection to the lives around me and the undefined spirit world

38. Whenever I fret about money. I take a deep breath and look around my apartment. There are some people who don't even have that.

39. I feel dreams are a powerful reflection into the soul, and if read correctly can be a guiding light towards the future

40. I am looking forward to having children and if everyone is healthy, I would like to have my kids the most natural way possible - I don't want medications or hospital gowns to take away my experience of child birth.

41. I have a tattoo and got it strategically placed in a location my mother and father would never see it, but I told them about it the next day.

42. Even though I don't have much experience in Love and relationships, my friends still trust my advice on them.

43. I think schedules are needed at times, and when a spontaneous moment comes along I'm not afraid.

44. I have yet to say "I love you". I'm very happy I still have that moment to share with someone.

Happy New Year

S