Absence makes the heart grow fonder

I had such a fabulous weekend! I spent treasured time with my parents, went to a very, very lovely wedding on Saturday and spent Sunday morning in Ames for coffee with a friends, followed by a sorority event. Wow, do I miss ISU! The women currently in my sorority and alumna are all amazing, passionate, inspired, and strong women. Coming back for our International Reunion Day reignited my love and gratitude towards Alpha Gamma Delta and helping to build the woman I am today. I was extremely hesitant about joining a sorority, but after encouragement from my dad and brother, it turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life thus far! No matter the changes that have been made in the past five years, these places still feel like home:

ISU Alpha Gamma Delta house: Inspire the Women, Impact the World

ISU College of Design

The sorority event was held at one of Ames' most beautiful locations, Reiman Gardens. This was one of my favorite places on campus to take photos when I was living there, so it was only appropriate that I snapped a couple quick shots today:

Bicycles!

Today I enjoyed my first bike ride of the season! Spring is definitely here with the smell of fresh flowers, BBQ, and sounds of laughter around every corner. It couldn't have been a more perfect weather for a bike ride, I'm excited for more early morning and night-time rides.

I've been dreaming in bikes these days, here are some of my favorites goodies:

Recycled Bike Wheel Clock

Chalk Print

Bike Tea Towels

Bike Fabric Pins

Through the Viewfinder Bicycle Photo

Spring Days Ahead

It has been a beautiful February weekend in Kansas City, with no snow on the ground I can't help but dream about Spring and Summer.

Photo from Daisuke Hamada

There's something so invigorating about waking up and going on a bike ride before work or before you settle in for the night.

I've already started my garden this year, I'm hoping to get a head start and be able to transfer very hardy plants outdoors. I have seedlings for big boy tomatoes, grape tomatoes, spinach, green onions, basil, parsley, and cilantro. I might even try to get some strawberries or wildflowers started as well! I'm excited to get back to cooking with fresh foods and vegetables.

More than anything, I'm ready for some good old Vitamin D! I'm ready for earlier mornings and later nights... bring on the sun!

Spring countdown

I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of spring... it just may be my favorite season (I think it has something to do with my birthday being in April!). I created a couple spring color palettes, both inspired by nature. The first picking up on the very beginning of colors of the season, full of moody blues and greys infused with the bright green of new growth. The second is inspired from the more mature blooms, creating a much more vibrant palette. Hmmm... I can't pick a favorite!