it came, it happened & then it was gone...

wham! bam!  the holidays snuck in one door and a few glasses of champagne, some holiday treats, and some "ho-ho-ho-ing" later, it was gone. 


i must have been a pretty good girl this year because  a few wonderful things that i wished and hoped for made their way safely into my sweet abode, but what i love and cherish most about the holidays is the merriment, festiveness, and hope that lurks around every corner and oozes out of everyone you come across. 


i hope you enjoyed time with your closest of close and that you found time to be thankful for your life's abundance and in somehow, way, shape or form helped add richness to someone who is a little less fortunate than you. 


...and may we all keep and carry a little piece of that holiday spirit with us as we charge, full steam ahead, into 2012.

loving his list...

since we're on the topic of designers, i wanted to share this LOVE LIST from eero saarinen (the whiz behind my most coveted item on earth) to his beloved wife.


just his simple, romantic way of letting her know a few reasons of why she capture his heart.


...no wonder i like him. a great eye for style and a romantic at heart.

inspiration icon- charles & ray eames... via cube

in celebration of their movie that is out in limited release... i'd like to take a moment and just give kudos to one of the best american influences in modern architecture and design, charles and ray eames...


innovators in design and super resourceful in the materials they used, their architecture and furniture designs are still a source of inspiration today... and to boot, they were a husband & wife team! talk about partners in crime. this makes me L-O-V-E them all the more.


here's a video i stumbled upon that just made me laugh. check out ice cube breaking off some knowledge... and in his words, "the eames made structure and nature, one. this is going green 1949 style, biiiiitch...belie've 'dat." oh...and his take on the LA freeways is spot on, too.


enjoy.  


**via pacific standard time

the midas touch...

loving the richness, sophistication and uniqueness of canvas's gold plated cutlery. i envision them placed at a table setting of mixed china plates and some rustic touches for a toned down, yet elegant dinner.  


will you be my guest??

pantone please!

cruising thru a gift guide i saw that a color lover's dream has come true and that there is now an official set of PANTONE markers... and i thought the jumbo box of 150 crayons was dreamy!!

you definitely have to pay to have 150 for their rainbow of color perfection BUT with a brush tip on one end and a fine point on the other it's almost like getting two for one... right?

dear santa... whadda ya say??

paper knots & bows...

i love to wrap. not rap, but wrap (well... i rrrrrrreaaaaaaaaaaaaaaalllllllllllllyyyyyyyyyyyy wish i could break you off a little freestyle rap, but that's another post in itself)...wrapping as in presents, i've got covered...



i love it and the possibilities are endless.


needless to say you can see why i adore all the wrapping goodies over at knot & bow. i really can't get enough. twine, heart stickers, gift tags and ribbon...oh my!!!

minoux on my mind...

loving the simple splash of color and geometric designs from minoux jewelery.


my ears need those dang-ly coquille's and my neck is longing for a hot pink layer.

a mistletoe reminder...

i'm a big fan of ellen and i'm pretty sure she and i would be great pals if our paths ever did decide to cross.


i love her spin and witty commentary on pretty much any topic under the sun... and this clip doesn't disappoint.


here she is talking about tlc's latest effort to try and rake in ratings with their new show, virgin diaries.


hope this brings a chuckle to your monday... oh, and since it's the season of mistletoe rendezvous, please remember... less chewing.

1st Thursdays...who's with me??

1st Thursday's have been around since I moved to the city (over 10 years ago...) and it's a great way for young san franciscan's to get out and explore our local art galleries and check out some amazing art all while munching on cheese and sipping on wine.


What I didn't know is that the MOCFA steps up their 1st Thursday event with CRAFTBAR, a crafting collective featuring ETSY artist's who demonstrate projects and allow participants to create their own masterpieces to take home.


i don't know about you, but this is right up my alley and on my calendar for 2012. 


for all you local pom-pom's...who wants to go with??

monogram me...

dear santa...


i've been good this year...
please get this lovely piece around my neck!!


i know i don't have the BEST combination of initials, but still...i am who i am.


yours truly,
SUG

that's sharp...

on our last trip to the pdx, we stumbled upon a small letterpress fair... and it was there that i was smitten by denise sharp's pretty, little, paper-pressed products. 


with the holidays coming up, i thought you might need a little boom in a box.

mouse-ksy

always good for a secret find (for yourself or for a gift) eden & eden is a great go-to.


...their new mice collection gave me a chuckle.

entertain-tip #10... the white elephant in the room

thanksgiving has passed and wherever you look, trees are being decorated, holiday music is playing 24 hours a day, lights are being strung, and day by day it's beginning to look a lot more like christmas...


i love and look forward to getting together with friends and creating a festivus among us.  a cozy fire, christmas songs, the smell of mulled spices mixed with a spattering of cookies and peppermint martinis...it screams merry merry!


if you're looking to host a holiday soiree, i highly recommend a white elephant exchange of some sort. it's the perfect mix of surprise, fun, and always ends up with some friendly holiday haggling.


it's easy, you pick a theme or a price limit. anything will do... ornaments, to stuffed stockings, different cookies to different bottles of wine, beer or alcohol, funny hats to winter scarfs, just think of something fun and have your guests get shopping.


rules are:

• everyone who comes brings a gift
• draw numbers. one for every person 
• #1 goes first. they pick from the pile
• #2 goes and has the choice of stealing from #1 or picking from the pile... so on an so forth until everyone has gone
• once every # has pulled or stolen a gift, #1 gets to decide whether he/she wants to steal or keep the gift that's in their lap
• only other rule is that a gift cannot be stolen more than 2x's after it's been open

after a few holiday cocktails this game is sure to bring your guests together and leaves everyone feeling warm, cozy and a wee bit merrier when they head back into the cold.

**some of you might be wondering about the pickle ornament... let's just say it was quite the conversation piece at last year's ornament exchange. it can be found here and actually is part of a cute german tradition: An age-old German good luck tradition, this realistic, handpainted glass ornament adds a touch of pickle personality to holiday decorating. The last ornament placed on the tree, whoever finds it first gets an extra gift from St. Nick

you know that moment during thanksgiving dinner when you go around the table and ask what everyone is thankful for?

yeah, well i'm the girl, without fail, who gets all choked up and can barely spit out whatever heartfelt sentiment i am trying to get out. 

i try to keep it together every year, but there is just so much that i am grateful for that i get emotionally overwhelmed trying to decide on just one thing... so, in an attempt to try and keep my composure tomorrow afternoon, i thought i'd use this post to capture my stream of thankfulness and then pick just one thing to say clearly & without tears.

here. we. go...

i'm thankful for who i am and who i'm growing up to be. i'm thankful to have married my best friend and that we're able to grow stronger together each day and more in love with each minute. i'm thankful that i know what it's like to have carried and given birth to a baby. i'm beyond grateful for being a mom and for being taught such important life lessons by such a little person. i'm thankful that curren chose keith and i as his parents. i'm thankful for my parents, for how they raised me and for the unconditional love and support that they give. i'm thankful that i can call my mom and dad my friends, and that i can appreciate them for the people they are and who they strive to be. i'm thankful for my little sister who inspires me with the guts, risk, and determination that it takes to follow ones dream. i'm thankful that we know each other so well that sometimes we don't even need words to express how we feel. i'm grateful to have the most amazing group of girlfriends to laugh, smile, cry and share my innermost secrets with. i'm grateful for the minutes, hours (or if i'm lucky) a whole weekend when i can be with one or all of them and just relish in the conversations and closeness we share. i'm grateful for learning to be independent and having self-confidence. i'm thankful for having guy friends who serve as the older brothers i never had. i'm thankful for the adventures, challenges, and endless opportunities that life puts in front of us, and for the lessons that go with each. i'm grateful that things always work out as they should. i'm thankful for the universe and it's way of unfolding. i'm thankful for karma. i'm thankful for the ability to laugh at myself, to enjoy each day, and not take life too seriously. i'm grateful for yoga, the lessons learned on the mat and practiced off. i'm thankful for my job. i'm thankful i can afford to splurge on myself and others. i'm thankful for the ability to help. i'm grateful for those who teach me more about who i want to become. i'm thankful for aspiration. i'm thankful for the circle of life and for the silver lining tucked within. i'm thankful for the ability to forgive. i'm thankful i've been forgiven. i'm thankful for living with no regrets. i'm grateful for creativity. i'm thankful for change. i'm thankful for music. i'm thankful for life's indulgences. i'm grateful for belief...and i'm thankful for each new day.

ahhhh... there.

now go.

enjoy your day and be thankful for all the abundance that surrounds you...and for pete's sake, EAT!!

spritz me ineke...

i'm a sucker for a good scent..


they can spark a memory, inspire a day dream, conjure up many a emotion or remind you of someone or something you hold near and dear to your heart.


i commend people who can stay true to just one scent. me...i i have a few go-to scents, and then special ones that i save for certain occasions or times of year. 


...and of course, because i feel pretty passionately about what i scent stands for, i am very picky when in comes to choosing which bottle of loveliness makes it way onto my tray.  


enter, balmy days & sundays by local san francisco perfumer, ineke. 
...fresh with floral tones, but subtle enough not to startle. 


...and since it's cloudy today, i just might pick this baby up to add a lil' sunshine into my day.

slip into...

dear santa...

i've been good this year.

please stuff my stocking with these... 

p.s.- i've got a feeling that this may be the 1st of many dear santa posts. i hope you're reading up there in the north pole!

2'fer...

here's how you justify this one... $169 doesn't just get you ONE fabulous looking clutch, it gets you TWO'fer the price of one!!


yes, please!!


if you like the looks of this, you'll love the bold, graphic-ness of the entire hammocks & high tea line! 


...could be a great place to find a gift for the holidays!

inspiration icon- OH.WOW: lessons from steve...

we all know steve jobs was a creative genius. he has changed and impacted our world so profoundly and his legacy will no doubt live on, but it was this article, printed in yesterday's NYTimes, that gave a more personal glimpse into the building blocks of his inspiring spirit. 

the article has kept me thinking...about life, about personal virtue, about the universe.  he was a zen buddhist that prided himself on following his intuition and experiential learning... his wisdom definitely shines through.

below are a few life lessons that i'll keep with me...

*** “Fashion is what seems beautiful now but looks ugly later; art can be ugly at first but it becomes beautiful later.”

Steve always aspired to make beautiful later.

***  Love was his supreme virtue, his god of gods.

***  He believed that love happened all the time, everywhere.

***  Steve was humble.

***  Steve cultivated whimsy.

***  He treasured happiness.

***  He tried. He always, always tried, and always with love at the core of that effort.

uniform possibility...

ah rory beca.... you have a simple casual sexiness to you.

your entire collection is perfect for dressing up, yet casual for everyday. 

when i first caught a glimpse of your dory tunic in a shop window i knew i had to have it... but once i tried it on, i knew i had to have it in every color. i ended up purchasing the crush color, but just might have to go back for fig.

the sales girls and i had a long chat about you and they let me in on a little secret... that you're planning a whole rainbow of colors in your tops for spring.

i did not need to know this... because i could very easily fall in love with seven colors and have a beautiful, bright uniform for each day.

a perfect pouch...

i was recently with one of my dearest friends, when i zoned in and locked eyes with her spectacularly beautiful, over-sized satchel...


i had, and still have, a big time case of purse envy, but did catch a glimpse at the little monogrammed tab on the zipper so i could see who made it!


...the lovely folks over at clare vivier are to blame for my newest "want".




hurry up over sized foldover clutch...get yourself over to my house, i've got goods-galore to fill you up with!!

they're baaaccccccckkkkkkkkkkk...

dear mtv.


thank you. thank you. thank you. for bringing beavis & butthead back. i know this will be a "new" introduction of these fella's to your current viewing audience, since most of them were babies back then... but for an o.g. like me, this is like re-discovering a lost treasure.


i remember being a junior in high school, watching tv in my bedroom, and just laughing out loud to the quick-witted banter of these two lovable idiots.


i love you, beavis... can't wait to see you thursday.


eh.huh.huh.huh.eh.huh.huh

made to order...

whether it be a new baby, a sick friend, or just someone in need of a little t.l.c, bringing dinner into a friend's home is a way to show your love and support while providing a little home-cooked goodness for their soul.


a friend and i recently did this for our friends who had just brought their new baby home... we made baked ziti and filled a bag with salad makings, dessert, and some wine for the new parents to share.  


the gift allowed them to have a date night in without the stress of trying to cook and change diapers/breast feed/or calm a crying lil' babe.


we made a little card for the baking instructions, but this simple touch of decorating an aluminum lid is pretty much genius and will be my go-to way of bringing dinner from now on.  


- decorate lid with a sharpie... be sure to include baking instructions and any other tips and/or additions that would compliment the meal.
- serve & deliver in recyclable aluminum baking pans that eliminate the need to return a friend's cookware!


**photo inspiration from enormous champion

rifle radness...

sweet little anna bond... 
and her husband/business partner nathan.


they had a vision.
they trusted their guts.
and they leapt.


i first stumbled upon her whimsy hand painted creations on a wedding blog three or four years back... and since then, have watched rifle paper co. fully flourish.  her artwork is unmistakable and knowing that each piece is created by her sitting at a table with her paint set just makes you appreciate her devotion to her craft... it's true love.


anyways, this holiday season... she's offering custom made holiday cards!!! how sweet is that?


i'd love to have these made for our family holiday greeting, but told myself i MUST wait until i have long locks again otherwise our family portrait might be easily mistaken for three boys... or the three wise men! ha!


you should definitely order now...the holidays will be here before you know it!

son of a...

etsy never ceases to amaze me. 


i could spend hours upon hours pouring thru the storefronts and continually be amazed by the talent, time, love, energy and just do it attitude that this community of artists exudes.  


newest obsession is son of a sailor... and at these prices, it's almost too easy not to just get swept to sea!

s'more of that...

S'MORES... when was the last time you had one?

mine was last night... and every time i eat one, i always find myself wondering why the heck i don't eat them more often.

the rich milky-ness of the chocolate... the ooooey-goooey, and on my s'more, charred sugar goodness of the marshmallow squished between two crisp, crunchy graham crackers....mmmm mmmm.

and... i'm convinced that s'mores bring people together...

everyone's got their ideal way to make, assemble, and eat a s'more... so before you know it, people are sharing their s'mores knowledge, collaborating, and stuffing themselves full of jet-puffed awesomeness.

heck, last night, we even came up with a million dollar invention that may just take the world by s'torm!

they also hold a pretty special place in mine & keith's heart... it started with the xmas of the s'more maker... then made an appearance during our wedding weekend... and now, serve as the perfect way to spend an evening under the stars, with great friends

plaid pleaser...

dear sam. 
the majority of us ladies are big, big fans of yours. we wait each season's collection with baited breathe and breathe several oooh's and awwww's at your never disappointing array of footwear.  fall is wonderful and i'm smitten by alvin, but have just one teensy-weensy request.


...can you pretty, pretty please make a holiday edition in tartan plaid? 


my feetsies would be so excited.


thank you.

entertain-tip #9... setting it up

one of the best things about a great dinner party is the long, lingering, "don't-want-this-night-to-end" feeling that engulfs a table and makes you feel like you're the luckiest person on the planet.

it's something about the coming together of a mix of people, the varying topics of conversation that flow, the smiles, the laughter... all enhanced by a delicious meal prepared with love, and wine that flows more and more as the night passes by. it encapsulates the essence of togetherness and provides a fullness of the heart that i truly cherish.

and it's these feelings that make me love preparing a table. setting the stage where the magic will later unfold. whether you take an elaborate or simple approach, a well thought out table looks beautiful and sets the tone for your evening.

and because we can all probably use a little refresher:

-  forks go on the left (smallest on the outside working up to biggest closest to the plate)

-  knife lives to the right of the plate

-  spoon sits to the right of the knife

-  bread plate goes in the upper left corner

-  wine & water glasses in the upper right 

now, dim the lights & don't for get the candles... or the flowers. or any other little tchotchkes that will spark conversation & help set the mood.

we'll be over soon. can't wait to see you.

sister... sister

the sartorialist is always always good for whisking me away and plopping me in the middle of an every day street scene that captures a moment and makes me want to linger in it.


this picture...the one with the two sisters. this one makes me miss MY sister. it makes me want to transport her here, into my every day life, permanently.


i love the contrast here..it sums up sisters so well. their similarities in looks and stature paired with the vast difference in personal style. 
but yet, you can sense their closeness and know this picture would make thier momma proud.

... and then there is this one. this picture makes me giddy and makes me cherish my closest of close, most bestest friends. my soul sisters. my kindred spirits. and my missing pieces. 


i love that you can't even seen the girls faces, but just from their body language you know they're close. having deep chats, conspiring, giggling their way thru the day.

terrific two...

being able to view the world thru the eyes of a child is a pretty magical thing... today marks my 730th day taking the world in from this vantage point and, i must admit, i am forever changed.

from here...  each day is greeted with a smile...the world is a big place with an adventure around every corner... and each step is an exploration in self-discovery...you wear your heart on your sleeve... you trust in people... you laugh at yourself,..and you cry, too...you appreciate the small things...you embrace your independence...you cherish the security of home... you pass no judgement...there is always love & a smile to share...and you laugh, SO much.


curren oliver, you rule. your wit, passion, kindness and eye for adventure inspire me. i love you beyond belief. happy birthday!!!

finger find...

wow. just discovered these rings (here & here) from st.kilda's eclectic line of jewelry. i'm completely obsessed with the subtle, hidden details of both versions. would be the perfect token of love for the romantic's out there or a push present for those momma's to be.


now...i've got to figure out a way to convince my honey that i'm deserving of yet another piece of jewelry to adorn my fingers

missoni for moi...

i know the line is going to go like hot cakes, but you can bet your bottom dollar i'll be in line 9/13 to get some missoni for moi!

remy-dy...

tried on a pair of raven jeans this weekend... and i'm pretty sure i've have found a new favorite jean brand.


meet remy. 
she's skinny. she hugs you in all the right places. she come in lots of amazing colors and patterns.. and, she runs a little big so she actually makes you feel the skinniest version of yourself because you get to size down!


i've got the aztec and cadet blue colors in my cart... do i dare splurge on the scotch too???

good glass...

loving the metallic gold & silver geometric glassware from dwell studios.

it's reminecent of the funky cool iconic glassware of georges briard from the 60's and 70's that made sipping on a cocktail look uber-chic.

mix and match your way to a perfect set... 

and to really W-O-W your guests, freeze up a tray full of these to chill your beverages and make them look picture perfect.

coo-coo for coco..nut water

by now you've all seen, tasted or heard about the benefits of sipping coconut water... you probably either a) don't care for it or b) are fairly obsessed with it. 

i happen to lie in the camp of the latter and just can't seem to get enough of it's five essential-electrolyte-hydrating-wonderness.

my go-to is just plain, natural, coconut water... poured over a tall glass filled to the brim with ice, served with a big squeeze of lime. 

it's refreshing. it's hydrating. it's filled with potassium and it often serves as my afternoon pick me up. 

BUT for a special treat... zico's chocolate flavor hits. the. spot.

i prefer it, again, over a big glass of ice...but this time with no lime & i add a straw.  it's like a grown up, healthy version of chocolate milk, and sippin' this icy delight up thru a straw makes me feel like a kid again. 

i know the thought of it is a little weird, but i promise you, it's deeeeelicious.  plus...it satisfies a sweet tooth without adding extra cushion on your backside.

thank you zico...oh,and p.s.- hope to see you slinging free waters around town again soon. i'm running low on stock you sent me home with last time and would appreciate s'more.

sneak appeal...

sneakers paired with a girly frock of your choice... i'm diggin'. in fact, i've got the perfect pair of metallic gold high-top chucks waiting to be dressed up instead of down. 

tequila love... it takes your breath away

i love random facts. i stumble upon them in the strangest of places and then file them away in the ever expanding "random facts" pocket of my noodle.
the latest of random facts came to me this past weekend at a post-outsidelands party hosted by patron.

needless to say, i was in tequila heaven and made sure i did my research on the newest funnest ways to mix up tequila based bevvies.

while in line for the restroom i started chattin' with two girls and out of the blue one girl goes, "do you know why tequila gives you that body shudder when you take a shot?" and in unison the other girl and i say, "no, why???"

well... it turns out that tequila and oxygen don't really like each other, so whether you're shooting or sipping your tequila, you're supposed to take a deep breath and then exxxxxxxxxxhale out all the air to allow the true essence of its deliciousness to take over your tastebuds.

so... there, while in line for the bathroom, we put her fact to the test and YES, there is a big difference. Tequila's sweeter, woodsy, silkier sides shows and leaves you smiling, with no body shudders and no need to have a lime chaser. good to know, right?

and... for my fellow tequila lover's, DO be sure to check out patron's XO cafe. it's their coffee liqueur made from tequila and it is deeeeeeeeeeeelicious. rest assured it won't take the place of my morning latte, but it will most definitely be mixed into my cocktail arsenal!

breath out and enjoy.

four-eye fabulousness

a few months back i saw the violet pair of these mmj 462's on a stylish mom & had to stop and ask her WHO made them & WHERE she got them.


they were grown up yet playful and gave her that confidently cool geeky chicness that takes the practicalness out of having glasses & puts the glamour into them.


plus...go figure, marc makes them.


i fell in love with the violet, just found a pretty sweet deal on the frames, and am pretty sure they'll be showing up in my mailbox soon...but there's something very sally jesse raphael-esque about the red ones that are speaking to the inner talk show host in me. 

entertain-tip #8... make the house warm.

whether it's moving apartments or buying a home, we've all had friends or family members give up their old digs in turn for a better view, more squre footage, a fresher coat of paint, or simply a newer nest to call their own.  


i love the anticipation and sense of new beginnings that a move conjures up. a move is, at it's very core, a change... and change is always emotional.  personally, i think a move is a sign of growth... a chance to leave behind what you've outgrown and settle into a new place that will serve as the foundation for whatever your journey holds next.


...and it's probably because i think moving symbolizes so much, that i always find myself struggling for the perfect housewarming gift to bring over that expresses my happiness, support and well wishes for my dear friend.



I've recently done a little research into this act of giving and it turns out that many cultures have their own variations of a how to warm house...


give...
-  a candle so that there will always be light
-  a broom to "sweep away evil"
-  wine so that they never go thirsty
-  honey or chocolate so life continues to be sweet
-  bread so that they never go hungry
-  salt for good luck
-  olive oil for good health

awesome, right? simple yet meaningful. give one or bundle a few together for the perfect package of new house love.


...and when you're the host, don't forget to take these traditions and turn them inward to help create a welcoming, cozy atmosphere for you and your guests:

-  light the candles
-  open the wine
-  serve the bread, salt and olive oil (preferably with cheese & some prosciutto)
-  and end the night with chocolate or a bit o' honey. 

on repeat... dirty gold

since summer's decided to bypass san francisco, i've set out on a quest to transport myself to a dreamy tropical island where all is beachy slow, carefree, and magestic...

roar, is the debut album from san diego indy-pop duo dirty gold. not only is their name awesome, but the five tracks on roar are worthy of any mixed tape you're making this summer.

so...go ahead, dive in and indulge in some of that california sunshine that we've been missing far too long up here in the bay area. 

transport you they will...i promise.

better than than never...

sadly, it'd been a while since i indulged in an afternoon of pampering... but last weekend i was lucky enough to spend a couple hours sipping citrus tea, soaking my toes, and catching up with a couple of girlfriends.

i'm usually pretty good about keeping up with the latest color palettes and fancy-fun choices to adorn my fingers & toes with, but i somehow missed the memo on these two hues of perfection from o.p.i.

skull & glossbones is the perfect neutral and will for sure look better chipped than the summery turquoise i was wearing for far too long.

and ski teal we drop... lighter than russian navy and the most dreamy mix of blue & greeny teal.

both will be in my polish arsenal this fall (and probably thru winter)... and both will definitely be bringing me back into the nail salon sooner rather than later. 

adoration for alkemie...

have you found something that draws you in so deeply that you find yourself needing to know more? and then... as you learn more you become even further engrossed,impressed and in awe?


well that's what happened to me when i came across alkemie's collection of jewelry. 


it all started when i slipped this wolf ring on my finger. fierce & bold but with ladylike class. next thing you know, i had the sting ray cuff on my wrist, the bat cuff on the other, layered with a couple of their necklaces, walking laps around the store, feeling overly adorned but not wanting to give any of it back.


i raced home to find out more so that i could share this amazing find with all of you and what i ended up finding out  just blew.me.away.


things like:
a) the l.a. based company was founded by a husband and wife team
b) they use mother nature and all her wonder as inspiration for their line
c) their entire collection is forged from 100% reclaimed metals
d) they give back. 5% of each sale goes towards one of the charity organizations that they support.
e) the motive for their responsible actions is to exemplify responsibility to their daughters and be an example for future generations


amazing, right? talk about intention...selflessness...the greater good...environmental awareness...  


and on top of it all, their jewelry is hand-crafted, well made, and incredibly beautiful.

i am beyond impressed and hope you will be too.