Samantha Elizabeth

Forever 21 - Jesus, God, and Love -- Oh MY!

2012-02-22T22:10:00.004-05:00

Lately there has been a lot of attention being put on the LA - based fashion chain Forever 21 and their religious embellished tops with slogans like “Love, Peace, Faith, Hope, Jesus”.

According to the Huffington Post, Forever 21 has ‘always had a penchant for crosses’ but the new tees are a step up in the dubious - and unambiguous - delivery of religious messages.’

Retailing anywhere from $8 - $20 these items target budget seeking young adult women.

Some feel that the trend has gone too far.

Author of the blog, wtfforever21, states

"I noticed a disturbing trend in the graphic tees. Some were just hinting at a shadow of religion, which I’ve seen before from them, but NOW? Now there are items going Holy balls to the wall with tops that have what reads like scripture on them.”

Why others who feel the opposite. Janique, blogger for Her Good Bag, stated “Many say that F21 is trying to sell religion, well guess what, purchasing the shirt is optional. You do not walk in the stores and they force you to by the Jesus loves Me tee.”

What do you think?

What I think: I agree with Janique, you have the option to buy or not buy the item. Forever 21 is a privately owned company. They are able to express their First Amendment right just as much as anyone else. Although some might be turned away from the labels on these tops, I don’t see it being something that will slow business anytime soon for the Chang family (owners of Forever 21).
So let people piss and moan...

Meanwhile...I am going to buy a few T-shirts for myself that say GOD and JESUS on them :)

Forever 21 bags currently have bible verse John 3:16 labeled on the bottom.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

My Friend Sarah recently purchased four of the awesome T-shirts!

Links to some of the tops below! Get them while they are available!

This is going to catch like wildfire :)

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=top_graphict&ProductID=2011408446&VariantID=

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=top_graphict&ProductID=2000034730&VariantID=

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=top_graphict&ProductID=2011408683&VariantID=

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=top_graphict&ProductID=2011408492&VariantID=

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=top_graphict&ProductID=2011408435&VariantID=

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=top_graphict&ProductID=2011408441&VariantID=

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=top_graphict&ProductID=2000031240&VariantID=

Lovin’ Hats & Vintage Geo Shape Sweaters

2012-02-16T18:32:00.003-05:00

I love slouchy knit or crocheted hats! I have been sporting this black one

around quite a bit lately. Its easy to throw on top of my head keeps my ears warm

and offers some help on a bad hair day! It can be dressed up or dressed down...

I have paired it with black leggings and a Vintage Geo Shape Sweater..

These types of sweaters were worn religiously back in the 80’s and 90’s.

This particular sweater has a dolman shape sleeve and is super comfy!

Its totally a sweater your grandma or great aunt Betty probably
wore but these things are coming back!

The purse is thrifted too!

I am currently selling it on Etsy! And guess what? You lucky readers get

the option to by it at 10% off! Simply use the coupon code

lovespunVIP

Love Spun Vintage

Hope everyone is having a wonderful week !!!

Later this weekend I will be posting photos of a new item I received from ShopMamie.com

an adorable online boutique that sells awesome clothing for under $100! check these girls out!

L.O.V.E

2012-02-14T22:06:00.003-05:00

Valentines Day

Valentines Day has come and gone for me. Its near 10:00pm as I sit here and type this post...recapping my wonderful evening spent with my equally wonderful husband. It was our first Valentines Day

together as a married couple...actually it might have been our first Valentines Day together

since quite some time...we had been doing the long distance thing for the past few years....

making being together on Valentines Day a shot in the dark!

All I can say is I am happy we were together for this one!

Dusty and I do not do anything too super extravagant for Valentines Day...

We do not buy each other expensive gifts...brand name items or electronic gadgets...

We usually make it a point to spend A LOT of some super priceless TIME together.

You know...the kind of TIME you just never seem to have when you work, clean, go to school, work some more and then other things...we dedicated this whole evening to each other. From 5:00pm - 10:00pm it was five hours of WE TIME. All I can say is... it felt extremely good.

(now Dusty’s fast asleep upstairs for a 6:00am alarm calling him to work and then class tomorrow)

I will be following close behind...

These days my blogging has been sparse...I have been making sure I am spending time doing ALL that I love...not just SOME of what I love...meaning I sneak in blogging and Pinterest and all those other fun mindless things when I can...

Anyway...I hope you all had a wonderful day today...here is our evening in Instagram.

It can all be summed up in a few small words.

Simple. Inexpensive. Easy. Love.

it doesn’t take much to please us :)

Just some spaghetti, wine, laziness, and some Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream of course!

(and One Tree Hill re-runs shhhh he’d kill me if he knew I told you)!!

I walked in the door after work today to candles lit, music playing, roses and a spaghetti dinner started!

(not to mention the dishes done and laundry put away) -- SCORE!

Amazing night.

How did you spend your Valentines Day?

Che Bello -- New Boutique!

2012-02-04T09:41:00.002-05:00

Happy Saturday Fellow Bloggers and Readers!!!!

Two weekends ago my husband and I went to the Bell Hospital Foundation Blizzard Ball! This is the outfit I wore from the night! The dress is from a boutique in my home town called Che Bello you can find them on Facebook -----------> Here They currently do not have a website BUT! they do have an online system for payment through pay pal and will ship something to your doorstep - just go to the

Shop Now option underneath their profile photo! Awesome items at a very affordable price!

Blue Tunic - Che Bello

Necklaces - one was thrifted and the leaf pendant

piece is from forever 21

Belt - not sure?

Tights - Candies (Kohls)

Wedge Boots - DSW

Purse - thrifted

Ring - forever 21

Make sure to visit my vintage Etsy site to purchase fun thrifted items selected by yours truly!

Love Spun Vintage

And since I love all my readers so much use coupon code LoveSpunVIP

to receive 10% off this weekend only!

Ten Things You May...or May Not, Know About Me

2012-02-02T19:33:00.005-05:00

1. I love cheese.

2. When I was 7 years old I read "Black Beauty" and other novels...no lie!

3. I was a HUGE tom boy until about 15 years old and secretly
wished I had been born a boy...so I dressed like one.

4. I’ve won two beauty pageants! Miss Upper Peninsula Teen USA
and Chassell Strawberry Festival Queen and competed in
Miss Michigan and Miss Michigan Teen
- pageants were great for me when I did them...
lately...my opinion of them has changed greatly...
a blog post for a different day!

(i am crowning a very excited winner!)

5. I plug my nose like (see image below) this when I go swimming and jump into the water...
oh my gosh, can’t believe I just posted that photo. AHHH!!! so embarrassing.
but its true. sealed tight! No water gets in! (again so embarrassed!)

6. I believe that heaven and earth was created by God and his one
and only son Jesus died for our sins.

7. I didn’t always feel so confident that #6 was true...I had so many questions (still have some)
I thought there was no hope for me to ever truly believe...thats changed...a lot.
I know I will never have ALL the answers...thats where faith comes in.
And there is no such thing as a perfect faith...

8. I can belch really really loud. ew right?

9. I played Barbies until I was in 8th grade. Except they were “olden day barbies”
meaning, they had a shoe box made wagon and horses
...no convertibles or Malibu Barbie here!
And I sewed their clothing on my moms sewing machine.

10. I can remember events from life as early as 2 years old!!

hmmmm I think thats enough for tonight :) just something fun and different!

What are some things people may or may not know about you?

Guest Post & New Blog Buddy: Breezy Days Blog

2012-01-28T15:45:00.002-05:00

Today’s Blog Buddy is Bri from Breezy Days Blog!

I love Bri’s style but most of all her heart and personality!
She is such a fun loving individual!

Scroll down to read more about Bri and make sure to visit her blog!

Breezy Days Blog

1. What inspired you to start a blog?

Actually, I originally started my blog because it was required for one of my college english classes. Being the only girl in my group, and knowing that blogging was kind of a "girly thing", I took the reins and started working on it. Even after the project was over though I was curious... curious why everyone was obsessed with this 'blog thing'...so I started posting stuff and got semi-addicted to learning new things and the rest is history! Read more here.

2. What do you hope readers get from you blog?

I hope that my readers get: a laugh from my sarcasm & blonde moment stories, inspiration from my outfits, a full tummy from my recipes, and finally a smile from reading my short & sweet posts.

3. How would you define your style?

That's a tricky question! Because I pretty much wear whatever I feel like for that day, I have no set style. BUT, if I were to pinpoint it, I would say my wardrobe is all encompassing of the following styles: classic, girly, bright, fun, and sometimes edgy!

4.What are your favorite items in your closet right now?

I would say my black faux leather motorcycle jacket, that piece goes with EVERYTHING. It goes with dresses, skirts, jeans...everything I tell ya! Other than that I would say ballet flats. I wear ballet flats all the time! Mostly my snakeskin flats though, because I consider them a neutral color in my wardrobe and they are

practically glued to my feet.

5. What do you love most about blogging?

My favorite thing about blogging is being able to post my thoughts, outfits, recipes, inspirations, and being able to share it with people are of the same interest! My close follow-up for why I love blogging, is all the nice and talented people that I get to meet through the blog world, it's so much fun!

6. Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know about you?

I check the expiration date on EVERYTHING. If it is suspicious, I won't eat/drink it even if it's only one day after the expiration date. My family makes fun of me for it all the time, but it's better to be safe than sorry!!!

Thanks for reading! If your interested in collaborating and doing a guest blog post --- make sure to email me at samanthaelizabethcollins@gmail.com! Happy Saturday!

Give Away Winner Announced: Vintage Pink and Cream Sweater & Purse

2012-01-27T17:36:00.001-05:00

I recently posted a give away for a lucky blogger to

receive this vintage pink and cream stripe sweater and matching cream cross-body purse!

To find the winner I used a random number generator and only counted

every individual’s comment one time.

(if you commented more than once it did not count)

And the winner is...

# 24

Annie from Other Side of Grey

Annie please email me with your mailing address

samanthaelizabethcollins@gmail.com

Vintage Giveaway: Sweater & Purse

2012-01-24T09:46:00.001-05:00

I recently was featured on the blog of Joyful Outfits! On her blog I was able to

do give away items! I am currently giving away not just one...but TWO items.

Both are vintage finds...one of the items is a beautiful pink and cream

chunky button down fireside sweater...great for these cold winter days, and a

matching vintage cream crossbody purse. I love both of these items...

and can’t wait to hand them over to a lucky reader :)

All you have to do is

1) Follow my blog Samantha Elizabeth

2) Comment on this blog post letting me know your interested

** you get a second submission if you also “like” my Facebook Page**

Winner will be announced this coming Friday, January 27th!

I am always looking to do different things with different bloggers! Lets get creative!

If you have an item you want to give away, or you want to do a guest blogger piece together

just let me know!

Its a great way to get your name out there and network with other bloggers :)

Email me at samanthaelizabethcollins@gmail.com

XO Samantha

Instead of spending oodles of money.....

2012-01-21T16:54:00.006-05:00

I love DIY projects...

so much that I even find some fun ones for the handymen in my family to help me with...

The other day I was clicking through Organize.com and I came across this shelving unit....

It was big and had plenty of space for me to put those things that seem to pile up and take up space

around a room....the only catch was....this shelving unit was...somewhere in the neighborhood of $800

After observing the shape, and design of the item...I quickly realized it wouldn’t take much time

or money....if I created it on my own. I grabbed my cell and called up my brother who is quite the

handyman. I showed him the photo and explained what I was thinking. Two weeks later I have a

beautiful shelving unit hanging on the wall in my bedroom...a great place for books, photos, and lots

of other random nick-nacks. Oh....and did I mention it saved me $750.00 :) ???

p.s. -- thanks for the idea Organize.com but....I like mine better :)

Last night I went to the Blizzard Ball -- it is a fundraiser for the Bell Foundation. A local hospital

in the area. Dusty and I had a great time. Below is a photo of the dress I wore! More

photos to come from the night on a future blog post! Have a great Sunday!

XO Samantha Elizabeth

Jen & Ryan

2012-01-21T12:01:00.001-05:00

Just a little sneak peek of Jen and Ryan’s engagement session!

These two are awesome. We toughed out the cold Michigan weather and had a great time.

I can’t wait to photograph their wedding this summer!

Love Being in Nude or maybe its...Taupe...or Blush or..?

2012-01-19T22:22:00.002-05:00

Lately I have been obsessing over Nude colors...at least I think they are Nude? Or...perhaps more Taupe? Either way...the following items are a few things of mine...and a few things I would like :)

Either in the Nude or Taupe category :)

The holiday’s are over and I have been straying from my typical bright red nail polishes and opting for a more neutral tone...I think it keeps things feeling clean and fresh as we approach spring...

O.P.I nail polish in --- Barefoot in Barcelona --- is what I am wearing today!

I found these cool booties on one of my recent thrifting adventures...you can find these

babies at my online Etsy shop use coupon code lovespunVIP to receive 10% off ------> here

I received a new sewing machine for Christmas and need to get to work! I recently thrifted this adorable blush colored blazer (not even nude or taupe) but close enough! I love it, all I have to do is remove the shoulder pads that make me look like a football player :)

I REALLY love this look with the light colored sweater and the gold jewelry!

Love all the shades and styles.....

Love these bridesmaids colors...

Gorgeous bracelet from J.Crew

this makes me want to rearrange all my clothing by color....ugh #messyclosetproblems.

NUDE lips.....always my favorite.

ahhh now time for some wine and then to bed. Goodnight Blogosphere!

What are some of your favorite colors right now?

Xo Samantha

DIY: Wedding Photo Display

2012-01-12T19:52:00.005-05:00

I have been searching Pinterest trying to find a unique way to display our wedding photos from

this past summer. That is when I came across this awesome and totally “my style” way to do it!

A Simple but Shabby Chic way to display your Wedding Photos

What you need

Nails about 1 1/4” long

String of some sort make sure its will be strong enough!

Some fun vintage or rustic clothes pins

(these clothes pins were recently used by my mother, I stole them out of her bucket, good to know she didn’t lose any clothes pins in the past 24+ years! Made for a great vintage look) Thanks MOM! :]

An assortment of wedding photos, I chose black and white 4X6 for this particular

project because of the “vintage feel” I was going for.....

Go to a local thrift shop and purchase a large wooden photo frame...its ok if the photo is still in it..or the glass is still intact. You can take that out later! (make sure you are able to get it out somehow?)

--- This pale pink had a rustic look to it, a little chipped, and not too perfect.

Now for the fun part!

Step 1: Pound nails down the sides of the frame make sure that the nails are spaced out about 7” (your photos are 4x6 so you will want to make sure there is space!) also, be sure to line them up so that they are straight across from one another...do this along both sides of the frame.

Step 2: Once your nails are in, take your twine or string

and tie it tightly from one nail to the other across the frame... and start hanging

your photos with the clothes pins to secure them! Voila! Easy as pie :)

Sorry for the poor quality photos! I took these in horrible lighting at 6:00pm....

but I had to post this ASAP and share with you all :)

Thanks for reading!

What are some fun ways you have displayed your wedding photos around the house?

If you aren’t married, what about other types of photos?

Make sure to follow me on Pinterest ----> HERE :)

Thrifty Days and Sundays

2012-01-11T21:39:00.001-05:00

I have been meaning to put this blog post up since last Sunday...but its been a busy past few days.

Last weekend I went to the little town of Republic, MI to do some thrift shopping with a couple cool gals. We went to the local St. Vincent De Paul and bought some fun items. I purchased a cool retro scarf that I am currently using as a hippie head wrap! (photos of that to come in a future blog post)

We desperately wanted to get into a nearby antique shop...this place was FULL of amazing unique vintage and antique pieces. I wanted to cry when we saw the sign on the door saying

Open Wednesdays 11am-1pm

(So random?)

We hurried across the street to the local cafe to talk to the owner of the cafe to see whether or not we could get a hold of whoever owned the antique shop..much to our dismay we were left empty handed.

We sat and had a cup of coffee and headed back home...one of these days we will get into this place

...it was a gold mine!

the girls peeking in to the antique shop....oh how we wish...(photos above)

On Sunday I sat in the kitchen with a cup of coffee with my dog Gus at my feet and started to gather all of my tax information for my photography business...blah!

Meet Gus :) my lil love -- he was a rescue from Texas. xo

Don’t forget to Visit Hannah from the blog For Scarlet! Be sure to check out her recent post about me!

Click HERE to read it :)

Bangle Holder Giveaway Winner

2012-01-09T21:17:00.001-05:00

Thank you to everyone who commented and became a “new follower” of my blog!
I recently did a blog post featuring a creative idea for organizing your bangles...
One lucky winner will receive a cute white vase to organize their bangles at home :)

And the winner is.........(insert drum roll)

Congratulations Hannah from What The Fashion !!!

There will be more give aways coming soon!
If you would like to do a product giveaway through
Samantha Elizabeth please email me at samanthaelizabethcollins@gmail.com

Guest Blogger: Joyful Outfits

2012-01-09T20:27:00.017-05:00

Every once in a while I have the honor of featuring

an awesome “Guest Blogger”. This time

I am featuring Joyce from Joyful Outfits. She is an awesome girl with some killer style! I love Joyce’s simple but creative looks!

I was able to ask Joyce some questions

....scroll down through the blog post to find out more about Joyce :)

AND

Don’t forget to follow her blog and visit her at -------> Joyful Outfits

Why did you decide to start a blog?
I decided to start blogging as a way to develop my personal style. I also decided to start because I thought it would be fun to have my own blog after reading a lot of other fashion blogs.

How did you come up with the name your blog?
I believe that a person should wear what they feel happiest in which is why the name of my blogs is joyful outfits. (Also because my name is Joyce)

What inspires you?
I am inspired by magazines, other bloggers, and runway for my fashion inspiration. I especially love watching ready to wear runway because it gives me new ideas for print mixing or layering.

How would you describe your style?
I would describe my style as casual and girlie. I like clothes that are comfortable, which is why I have a lot of sweaters in sizes that are bigger than my actual size.

I see from your blog that you have a love for fashion…what 5 pieces in your closet could you not live without?
1. A taupe colored top: I love this color top because it goes with everything and the material is thin enough to be tucked in without looking bulky.
2. dark wash skinny jeans: Since I wear a lot of big sweaters, I balance out the roominess of the sweater with skinny jeans.
3. navy oversize blazer: I can wear this with almost any outfit and make it instantly look more put together.
4. striped sweater: this sweater is my favorite for when I want to mix prints
5. olive anorak: I wear this with my girlie outfits to toughen things up a bit

Who takes your photos for you?
My little brother takes outfit photos and I take the detail photos.

What does a day in the life of Joyce look like?
I wake up, go to school, do homework, practice harp, go to orchestra rehearsals, and blog. On weekends, I sometimes go shopping :]

Make sure to visit Joyce’s blog ---> Joyful Outfits

Make sure to email me at samanthaelizabethcollins@gmail.com
if you are interested in being a guest blogger!

Organize It: All those Bangles (also a giveaway)!

2012-01-08T12:49:00.002-05:00

One of my Life Style changes for the New Year (aka New Year Resolution)

was to “organize myself” that means...eliminating the chaos and the clutter!

Do you have a plethora of bangles and bracelets that you don’t know what to do with?

Are they cluttering your jewelry box?

Hidden in a way that doesn’t quite let you find what your looking for?

Tangled with your necklaces?

I found a fun, creative and unique way to display them that will keep you organized!

(p.s. find out what the giveaway is today at the bottom of this blog post)

A lot of thrift shops are selling these cute porcelain vases, I found a handful for a very cheap price!

Ta Da! So quick easy and fun...I display mine on a shelving unit in my bedroom.

A creative and easy way to find the bangle I am looking for...

Cute shelving decor :)

I am giving away a white vase to a lucky blogger! All you have to do is follow my blog and post a comment below letting me know :)

Thanks again for reading, and I hope this helps you with a fun idea to organize yourself!

I Love to Thrift

2012-01-06T22:38:00.000-05:00

Yesterday a couple of my girlfriends and I went out and had a great little “girls afternoon"...

Michelle, Lanni and I met up at Starbucks and from there went on to do a little thrift and antique shoppin’ We headed to downtown Negaunee and stopped at some of our favorite places.

I love thrift shopping, there are so many one of a kind and unique pieces...

After some thrifting we headed to Lanni’s house for some wine and Pad Thai...

(Cream cheese wontons omg...so good)

Tomorrow we are headed to the little town of Republic for a little thrift shopping get away!

Photos to come from tomorrows adventure :)

Do you see that sparkly bracelet above...yeah its gorgeous...

Natalie & Chad

2012-01-05T22:24:00.001-05:00

Natalie and Chad are one of my 2012 wedding couples. I love them.

They were so much fun, and had such a natural way of expressing their love for

one another. It made my job easy and very enjoyable. I can’t wait until

August to shoot their wedding here in Marquette!

They were hoping for some snow when we shot their engagement pictures this past December,

but the early part of the month left us with cold winds and no white fluffy stuff!

It was almost a blessing in disguise...because these turned out wonderfully :)

Congrats Love Birds!

New Year Resolution(s)

2012-01-02T13:21:00.001-05:00

This year I am working on a few different

“New Year Resolutions”

also considered “life style changes”

The nice thing about January 1st is that it signifies a new beginning. A fresh start.

And a new way of looking at life and the things you hope to achieve.

Here is a list of some of the ways I plan on making 2012 the best year yet!

1). Healthier Life Style

exercise, spiritually, eating healthier

I hope to make it to the gym more often, go for longer walks, and get out and enjoy the great outdoors! Spiritually I hope to continue to strengthen my relationship with God and Jesus Christ...through reading and fellowship with Dusty and our church (which we should attend more often). A few months ago Dusty and I made a small adjustment to our eating regiment, we now eat organic foods and more veggies! We hope to continue these good eating habits in 2012!

2). Organize My Life

de-clutter, put stuff away, and organize

I find that I am able to think more clearly and complete tasks in a less stressful manner when I take the time to organize myself. I will be making a point to keep things cleaner and more organized. Putting things away when I am done (I should have learned that one at 5 years old hah!), finding ways to organize everything from clothing and mail to other house hold things. This also applies to my work life....considering I spend 75% of my week at my office, I will hopefully do a better job of keeping myself organized in the work place as well :)

3). Time Management

go to bed earlier, wake up earlier, day planner

I keep a planner, and have for as long as I can remember...but that still wasn’t enough to keep me on task, I tend to drift into random things that end up eating away parts of my day that it shouldn’t (i.e. clothes shopping online with money that I don’t have) --- I find that I waste so much time doing pointless, and mindless things --- is this how I want to live my life? Therefore I have purchased a day planner that helps you keep track and on task down to the hour...I can now put time aside to

“do the mindless things” but only after I have done the important ones...

4). Throw out the Garbage

put effort into friendships with those who are positive and genuine

I made a vow in August 2011 that I would push out all of the people who drag me down....those that are selfish, mean, cruel, and only care about their own personal success. Those who have nothing nice to say about anyone. Are discouraging, self centered, and simply bad people to try and be “friends” with. I want to spend more time putting an effort into those who are nurturing, caring, and positive thinking. I want to be around those that forgive easily, are wise, and genuine...people who I can learn from...

5). Live in the Moment

stop wishing away the here and now....

I have always been bad at living in the moment, I ... “can’t wait for the weekend”, “can’t wait for Dusty to be done with hockey”, “can’t wait for Dusty to be done with school”, “can’t wait until spring and summer”, “can’t wait until I have a house to decorate”, “can’t wait until I have children”....this list could go on and on....but what I find that I do so often is wish away the present...instead of being happy and content where I am...and making the most out of TODAY...there will come a day...when we will all want to “rewind time” ---and we will be saying “oh how I wish we could go back”

Matthew 6:34 - "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.

Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

What are your New Years Resolutions
and Life Stye Changes for 2012?

Good Bye 2011 -- Thank you for the memories!

2011-12-31T14:36:00.006-05:00

There are lots of moments from 2011 that will forever be engraved in my memory...

Here is just a brief overview of those moments. I look forward to 2012 and all of the plans

Dusty and I have in line for our lives both individually and as a couple.

I will be sharing those in tomorrow’s blog post....but today, I want to take a moment

to blog about the great happenings of 2011. Hopefully I don’t miss anything!

Happy New Years Eve!!!

Memories from 2011

In February of 2011, I got a front row view of the President - Barack Obama,

make a speech to Northern Michigan University. My alma-mater!

This was one of the neatest experiences I have ever had.

My dad got to meet him and escort him around for the afternoon in the motorcade etc.

Dusty’s last hockey season ended this past spring 2011. He bounced around between the AHL and ECHL and decided to call it quits...the security of the job and the politics got old. Instead of letting others decide our fate and future, we decided it was best to start creating our own...where hard work pays off, and you won’t get ahead just because your last name is “Yzerman”. Do I sound bitter? No, I am not. But once reality sinks in you realize you were a bit “off” on a few things. I am thankful for the friends and people we have met along the way and places we got to see,

and that Dusty got to play as long as he did :)

When one dream ends, it leaves room to create another...

this is one of my favorite photos :)

The last game I got to watch him play professionally - Ontario, California.

In June 2011 I got to go on a fun filled adventure with some of my favorite people to Mackinac Island for my Bachelorette Party. It was so much fun having (almost all) of my girlfriends together in one place. You don’t get that very much these days with our busy schedules and with “life” taking over...so it will ever be special to me. And I think it should be made an annual event!

yes that is a blow up doll with a wiener drawn on him..Bachelorette Party fun :)

On July 30, 2011 Dusty and I “tied the knot” we had an outdoor ceremony at the Frusti Family Farm in Lake Linden, MI. A place I spent a lot of time at growing up... picking Strawberries, and enjoy family and friends...we had a wonderful wedding. We couldn’t have asked for anything more.

photos by Vienna Glenn Photography

In August, right after the wedding Dusty and I went on our honeymoon to Costa Rica and Panama - in Central America. It wasn’t your typical “honeymoon” it was a little more on the “off the beaten path” kind of getaway. We carried around backpacks and stayed in numerous locations and got to experience a culture nothing like we have ever before. We even went zip lining...which was exhilarating!

Waterfall Swimming :)

crossing over into Panama

Our “relaxing” part of the honeymoon

Zip Lining in Costa Rica!

In September we moved into our first place together. We live in a two bedroom 1.5 bath - town home in Marquette and we love it! It is cozy and very much all that we need for right now :)

This was such a fun and exciting “new” thing for us. We also celebrated our first

Christmas together as a family...this is us opening presents together in front of our 4ft tree!

It is a REAL tree might I add!

From May - September 2011 my photography flourished...I was so busy with weddings, senior sessions, family photos. I felt so blessed and happy to see one of my favorite hobbies grown into something so wonderful...I love the “non stress” of it not being a “JOB” --I already have one of those :)

Thank you to all of you who helped Samantha Elizabeth Photography grow.

..I owe you for helping me hit a milestone in my life.

Photos above by Yin Tang

Photo Above by Janelle Elaine Photography

In 2011 the REAL Job that I have grown to be so passionate about...is working for a non profit organization, Lake Superior Hospice. Learning what hospice can provide a family has been so amazing. I never realized a service like this existed... “end of life” time doesn’t seem so scary as it once did, knowing we have an amazing hospice agency in our community to care for our loved ones.

This job started out at as part time position Volunteer Coordinator. It quickly grew into a full time position and my role expanded into Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator. I love it.

Whew!

I am sure I am missing some more things and events that have happened...but all in all these are the ones that stick out to me most when I look back at 2011. I am excited for the goals and plans for 2012...and pray for the health of my family, friends and those of you reading this :)

Happy New Years Eve!

XO Samantha

My Current Favorites

2011-12-27T13:42:00.001-05:00

I have been using a few products that I absolutely love and want to share...

Lancome Nutrix Royal $55 - Intensive Lipid Repair Cream

I tend to get very dry skin during the winter months...the cold and dry air does a number on my face!

When your face is dry --your make up flakes...none of it is fun. But this Lancome cream is amazing!

Moroccan Oil - Hydrating Styling Cream $30 and Oil Treatment $30

These items are wonderful for dry or coarse hair...I use them both religiously!

Sally Hansen - Base and Top Coat $5

O.P.I Quarter of a Cent Cherry - $8.50

SUN - salons are selling it for $30+ but you can get it on Amazon for way less!

This stuff is amazing. I swear by it. I love it. It is a misting spray that gives you a summer tan/glow.

Big Sexy Hair - Volumizing Dry Shampoo $10-$15 depending where you purchase it

I rarely wash my hair two days in a row...I usually skip a day or two. I use this product

to keep my hair from looking flat. Love it!

What great products are you using these days?

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T21:39:00.004-05:00

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas weekend!

Dusty and I spent Christmas this year up in the Copper Country :)

We spent Friday night at my parents house, opened gifts and had a big dinner...

Saturday we went up to Calumet and visited the rest of the family.

Dusty and I attended the candle light service at the Calumet Methodist Church...

it was a beautiful service and I love the hymns for Christmas...

Such a special and magical weekend...

Merry Christmas to all --and to all a good night! xo

My little bro and I having some wine at our parents house :)

Gus excited to see what we all got from Santa!

Dusty got a tool set :)

I got all the boys remote control helicopters, this was quite interesting to watch.

Proposal Surprises Caught on Camera

2011-12-22T18:40:00.004-05:00

In yesterday’s blog post I took some time to share with you all my very own “surprise proposal”.

After doing some searching, I see that men are getting smarter these days!

Photographers are being hired left and right to photograph that special moment....where he gets on

one knee and “pops the question”

And ladies, it is ok to throw some hints out there to your guy ;)

There are only a few moments in life that take your breath away...this was one of them for me...

To have it captured in photos and on video is so special to me...every time I look through the photos

or watch the video...that feeling comes swarming back into the pit of my stomach...

and my heart beats a little faster...

Below are some photos where photographers helped capture that moment...

Just give your men my email address ladies! I’d be happy to help

him organize and capture that special moment :) --- when the time is right of course!

samanthaelizabethcollins@gmail.com

Joe Elario Photography (above photo)

Lara Rios Photography (above photo)

Magnolia Rouge (photos above)

Sarah Blesener Photography (photos above)

And who could forget the commercial where the boyfriend sets up their own little romantic Starbucks in the woods for his proposal? SERIOUSLY? gosh!

2 years ago today.....

2011-12-21T19:18:00.002-05:00

2 years ago today...

I made the decision to say YES to marrying my best friend.

I still can’t believe that it has been two years already...time sure flies when your having fun!

The Proposal Story in a Nut Shell:

Dusty was supposed to be in Arizona for Christmas...I thought he had flown there that day...meanwhile I had a “date” with one of my best buds, Jess Jones! She invited me for drinks at the Chopp House before the Christmas party we were planning on going to...so we went in and got a table...she told me “one second I have to use the bathroom” she was gone for about 30 seconds when out around the corner comes Dusty in a suit and tie...and Jess following with a camera! Dusty got down on one knee and popped the question! And there you have it! I bawled like a baby....

he had me fooled...he usually isn’t the best at surprising me!

ahhh...thank you for letting me relive that moment tonight in this blog post....

(scroll down to watch the video)

The dress I bought was an accidental find at a local vintage/antique shop! Here I was all ready to go

out with my friend Jess before a Christmas party....little did I know!

Jess and I snapping a picture together before the BIG MOMENT.

“ I have to use the bathroom she says...” and then comes around

the corner seconds later with a video camera!

Tomorrow’s blog post is going to be about surprise proposal photos!

DIY: Old T-Shirt Head Bands

2011-12-20T20:45:00.001-05:00

My friend Beezer (aka Mallory) and I had a little craft night tonight. We made head bands...

But not just any old head bands! These ones were eco friendly and up-cycled!

What we did. This is honestly SO EASY.

1) buy an old t-shirt that has a percentage of spandex material in it

- the one we used had 7% spandex

(goodwill, st. vincent de paul works! Or one from your closet)

2). cut the t-shirt into strips 18-20 inches long and about 1 inch wide

(they don’t have to be neat edges...)

3). start to braid the strips!

Once your done braiding, tie the ends together and voila!

Simple. Chic. Eco Friendly and CUTE!

Avocado & Lime Salad w/ Pasta Shells

2011-12-14T19:43:00.000-05:00

I had an evening last week where I was able to pull out one of the many aprons I own

and concoct a dinner for Dusty :) He survived so I think it was a success!

Avocado & Lime Salad w/ Pasta Shells

Ingredients for Avocado & Lime Salad

- Avocados

- Dried Cranberries

- Parmesan Cheese

- Salt and Pepper to taste

- Lime juice drizzled

Pasta Shells

- 3 cups ricotta cheese

- 1 egg

- 2 cups mozzarella cheese

- box of Jump Pasta shells

- dried parsley & basil

- 1 can pasta sauce (an herb flavored is best)

Boil the shells for 8-10 minutes in a separate pot

in the mean time prepare the ingredients

Step 1: mix the ricotta cheese , 2 cups of mozzarella cheese, and one egg into a bowl

Step 2: mix in 1 tbs of basil and 1 tbs parsley into the cheese mixture

Step 3: drain pasta shells - let cool for 2 minutes

Step 4: take a 9x12 in glass casserole dish, stuff the ricotta cheese mixture into each shell, line the baking dish with the shells - continue until shells are used up

Step 5: pour pasta sauce around shells spread evenly with a spoon

Step 6: Sprinkle parmesan cheese, basil and parsley on top

Bake at 375 degrees for 45 - 60 minutes - check frequently...when cheese is melted

and pasta is bubbling it should be finished :)

Eat with wine and candlelight for a romantic dinner with someone special ;)

Alright, making home made pizza tonight!

Marquette Goes Hollywood: Behind the Scenes and Red Carpet Photos

2011-12-13T21:53:00.005-05:00

I had a great time being a guest photographer for the event Marquette Goes Hollywood - featuring Adam Whittington and Brooklyn Haley, along with many other talented performers and artists from the area.

Proceeds from the event benefited the Lake Superior Youth Theatre.

The event started with a limousine pulling up outside of the Kaufman Auditorium - exiting the limo were performers and featured acts Adam Whittington and Brooklyn Haley.

Before the show started at 7:00pm we were able to get some shots of Adam and Brooklyn

hanging out back stage in their dressing rooms.

(forgive me as I did not get photos of all individuals who walked the Red Carpet, other photographers who joined me Tim Rossland and Kaley Lein - may post some soon)

I did a giveaway on my Facebook Page where two tickets were given to one lucky winner - they also

won a chance to get their photo taken on the Red Carpet with Adam.

Congratulations: Trina Johnson!!! :)

(below) Marquette Community Foundation Youth Advisory Council (YAC)!

Back Stage - Dressing Rooms.

Kaley Lein getting serious with her shots :)

Tim being...Tim.

I am not sure who took the photo below (it wasn’t me) but the cool thing about it is that

the poster Adam is signing was a photo I took of him.

Little girls (and boys) will have my photography and Adam’s mug shot hanging up on their walls!

How cool is that? :)

Myself on the red carpet and the photo turned poster I took of Adam (Photo Credit: Tim Rossland)

Kaley and I having some fun :) (Photo Credit: Tim Rossland)

30 for 30 Look #5

2011-12-11T16:48:00.002-05:00

I have been slacking with my 30 for 30 challenge.
Finally here is another ensemble!

They say you shouldn’t wear white after labor day...which is funny...

The holiday season is full of white! I say to hell with these “rules”

This look reminds me of the 70’s....with a seasonal Christmas Palette?...I think?

to see other items from my 30 for 30 challenge click -----> HERE

also, just a reminder to those fellow “bloggers” out there
....if you Follow me let me know so I can follow you back :)

* White Skinny Jeans: American Eagle *Green Peasant Top: Thrifted

*Head Band: Hand Made in some store in Winnipeg, MB Canada

Little Wilmer

2011-12-11T11:56:00.000-05:00

What an extremely sweet and genuine family the Dorvinen’s are

...they had me take their family pictures while they

were up visiting from Duluth, MN.

Ashley & Jeff - Engagement Photos

2011-12-07T20:00:00.001-05:00

When you are hired to photograph a wedding...there always are a bit of nerves...

your nervous to meet the bride...

your nervous to meet her mother....

her husband to be...

During the engagement photo session....will they.....

think your trying to crack too many “funny” jokes?

Will they think your too quiet?

Will they think you gab too much?

Every bride I meet offers a new experience, and a new relationship...

I felt so comfortable and relaxed... when I shot Ashley and Jeff’s engagement photos...

Just watching them interact allowed me to ease into what I love to do...and the more comfortable they

were...the more comfortable I was....it just came natural

This eases my nerves for their wedding day next May...<3

I am so thrilled to be their photographer :)

Winner of 2 Free “Marquette Goes Hollywood” Concert Tickets

2011-12-06T21:04:00.001-05:00

“Marquette Goes Hollywood” concert

at the Kaufman Auditorium in Marquette, MI

Friday, December 9th at 6:15pm

featuring Adam Whittington and Brooklyn Haley

proceeds benefit the Lake Superior Youth Theatre

The winner of the tickets will also be getting their photo taken on the red carpet with Adam and Brooklyn before the show.

the winner should email me at samanthaelizabethcollins@gmail.com
within 24 hours to claim your two free tickets.

1. Clare Hwang

2. Nicole Shane

3. Trina Johnson

4. Jonathan Kliment

5. Vickie Snyder

6. Connie Vial

7. Shannon Carter

8. Michael Peterson

9. Lisa Wood

10. ? no name?

11. Kathy Wirkula

12. Kirby Wendt

13. Lucy Snyder

14. Jaqualyn Peterson

15. Kathy Illikainen

16. Brenda Peterson

and the lucky winner is.....(Drum Roll)..........

# 3 Trina Johnson!!!

Thank you everyone for participating...it was a lot of fun...hope you all get
to make it out to the concert this Friday!

Trina please be sure to email me at samanthaelizabethcollins@gmail.com within 24 hours to claim your two free tickets to the “Marquette Goes Hollywood” concert and pictures before on the red carpet with Adam and Brooklyn!

I Cried Over Spilt Milk

2011-12-01T18:01:00.006-05:00

Today was one of those days...

I was rushing around...late for work, needing groceries, dog chewed up shoes...etc...

And in the midst of all the busyness I realized I needed my eye brows waxed!

I grabbed my cell phone called my favorite salon in town, to try and get in with my

favorite stylist! Unfortunately they could only squeeze me in at 1:30pm...with “my stylist”

that time didn’t work, as it was right in the middle of my work day...so I opted to

try a new girl who they claimed was “awesome!” - being the trusting person that I am....

I agreed and 4:00pm came and I walked in to meet the supposedly “awesome” stylist.

Well...just a little history...I spent all spring/summer growing my eye brows out to be

full and beautiful for my wedding day...”my stylist” helped to make sure they were full and perfect.

I loved them...for so long I had struggled with those eye brows that look like

“comma marks” or “half moons” ..... come on ladies...you know what I am talking about...

some of you may still be struggling with these kinds of brows!

I walked in to the salon...feeling good...sat down...this girl was younger...fairly new but had

went to an “Aveda Institute” so I had confidence in her....I told her that I liked my eyebrows

full and more “natural” - but that I also liked a small arch...

I was doing fine and dandy until.....that is until... the first yank of the wax.....

it left me wincing in more pain than ever I had experienced...I remember thinking to myself...

”that just didn’t feel normal”

She continued to do her job...I was afraid...she handed me the mirror...and I gasped...

thankfully not loud enough for her to notice....my stomach lurched...and I felt like throwing up.

She had waxed my eyebrows SO THIN that I had pencil lines left where my once full eye brows were...

I cringed...jumped up out of the chair, forced a smile...I ~~ran~~ walked to the front desk to pay.

I paid...ran to the car....looked in the mirror....saw that it wasn’t just a dream...

I tried to rub the swollen pink part of my eye lid that once was part of my eye brow....

No magic...I was powerless....my eye brows were gone...

Now...you might be thinking I sound PSYCHO. They are just eye brows right?

Well...any girl whose grown her eye brows out before and had them shaped and re shaped until they

were just right...KNOWS...that this could be devastating.

I rushed to my friend Sarah’s house...(she is a make up genius)

I cried, she gave me some green tea...I cried some more...

She told me the wonderful things about “inner beauty” and “they will grow back”

I cried some more...she penciled my eye brows in for me....I cried some more...

Left her house...came home showed Dusty...cried some more...he told me “he couldn’t even notice”

(was that supposed to be a good thing?)

I am now the owner of a new eye brow pencil...an extra large bag of crunchy cheetos...

and very chocolatey hot chocolate...and a box of kleenex

I plan on sulking over this all evening...

and probably even tomorrow morning when I wake up....

UGH, yes I ADMIT...I am crying over spilt milk.

They will grow back.

~~it may take many months....~~

They will grow back.

(maybe if I keep repeating it they will grow back sooner????)

What I used to have......

What I now have....(ok maybe this is a bit drastic).

its probably more like this....(the before)

Well... that was my big event for the day....

Does anyone have any tricks to make eye brows grow back quicker? If so, PLEASE share.

XO Samantha

Adam Whittington Interview & Win two tickets to “Marquette Goes Hollywood”

2011-11-29T22:05:00.005-05:00

Win two tickets to the “Marquette Goes Hollywood” concert

at the Kaufman Auditorium in Marquette, MI

Friday, December 9th at 6:15pm

featuring Adam Whittington and Brooklyn Haley

proceeds benefit the Lake Superior Youth Theatre

The winner of the tickets will also be getting their photo taken on the red carpet with Adam and Brooklyn before the show.

How to Win: “LIKE” Samantha Elizabeth on Facebook and comment on this blog post,

by simply stating your full name!

A random selection will be made on Tuesday, December 6th!

(scroll down to read the interview and recent photos)

Interview with Adam Whittington

SE: It has been a while, our last photo shoot together was already a year ago while we both were in California! Give me a brief overview of what you have

been up to since then?

AW: Lots has happened! From new songs being produced, music videos, touring around the nation, acting opportunities, Red Carpet Hollywood events to meeting a lot of other amazing artists on tour.

SE: So tell us, what is it like living in LA? What do you love? What do you hate?

AW: Living in LA is a lot of fun! It’s definitely a crazy lifestyle and keeps me very busy. I love the warm weather and sunshine and all the new friends I’ve made as well as working on set and being in a recording studio. I also love performing in LA.

I hate sitting in traffic for hours when my destination is only a short distance away.

I also hate not having all of my family there.

SE: You are home now in Marquette for a few weeks, with an upcoming concert, “Marquette Goes Hollywood” at the Kaufman Auditorium on Friday, December 9th, doors open at 6:15pm tell us a little bit about what fans can expect for this event?

AW: We’re starting off Dec. 9th with a Red Carpet Event where fans and friends can take photos and watch performers and community leaders walk the carpet before the concert event. You will get to see local talented dance groups, as well as solo dancers and then great music by other local artists! Special guest, Brooklyn Haley, who will also be coming in from Los Angeles will be performing her own set. I have been working very hard with Choreographers Jill Grundstrom and Jennette Katona and many other dancers to put on the best show possible. After the concert, there will be an after party ‘meet and greet’ for all ticket holders. This will include a DJ, merchandise sales and autographs and pictures till 10:30pm.

SE: So, Brooklyn Haley sounds amazing and extremely talented… here is a question many of your female fans might be wondering…is Brooklyn Haley…your… girlfriend?

AW: No, we are not dating. She is just an awesome friend that I have had the honor to tour with. You will continue to see us performing at other events in the future.

SE: You will be heading back to California soon, what should fans be looking forward to?

AW: New songs, bigger performances, more touring and more acting opportunities. I will also be on the 2012 schedule for singing the National Anthem at the Angel's Stadium MLB 2012 season!

SE: Fill in the blank…in two years I want to be _____________________.

AW: Be continuing with what I’m doing on an even larger scale and helping others to fulfill their dreams.

SE: If any actor or actress could play you in a movie who would you

want it to be and why?

AW: Hmm…Well some of my friends said Alex Pettyfer would be a good choice.

hmm what do you guys think?

SE: OK! Last, fun question…if you could be a super hero for a day, what would you want your super power to be?

AW: I would like to have powers like Storm from X-man!

Readers - do not forget to “Like” Samantha Elizabeth on Facebook and leave your full name on this blog post in order to win two tickets to the “Marquette Goes Hollywood” concert and a chance to get your picture taken with Adam and Brooklyn on the Red Carpet before the show!
A winner will be selected on Tuesday, December 6th!

Also “Like” Adam Whittington on Facebook to find out more information on
upcoming concerts and new song releases!

Glitter and Gold

2011-11-28T20:56:00.001-05:00

I knew this item would go like a hot cake as soon as

I put it on my Love Spun Vintage Etsy Page!

This sweater was a fun piece that I found at a local thrift shop.

I love the glittery gold lines along the top....

....it is now on its way to some lucky girl in Dallas, Texas :)

IF you comment on this blog post...make sure to Follow my Blog!

I will follow anyone back who follows me! :)

Just let me know in your post!

Thanks so much!

Xo Samantha