Some people look for a beautiful place, others make a place beautiful.

Those wise words were once spoken by Hazrat Inayat Khan. Those wise words have really stuck with me over the course of my summer.

As you know, I've been working at an internship for Quicken Loans in downtown Detroit. I was working for a team within Quicken that deals with design and creates all of the amazing workspaces that Quicken Loans is famous for. Our team never builds brand new buildings. In fact, we prefer going into older buildings that could use some refreshing and giving them our splashes of color and unique feel. The contrast of the old, beautiful architecture on the outside, and amazing, colorful spaces on the inside creates a feel that is unparalleled by anything else.

But in taking this thought one step further... making a place beautiful, rather than looking for a beautiful place... our spaces are in the heart of Detroit.  Recently, the light shed on Detroit has been dim and dark, but the people of Detroit refuse to let the light go out. There is so much passion in the long-time residents of the city and many newcomers bring new hope, new perspectives and new dreams to the drawing board. In the last 10 years Detroit has come a long, long way. Quicken's spaces, team members, programs and events bring so much to the city, and that's exactly how we like it.  No event was held outside of the city, but rather many were held all over the city, to help promote all parts of Detroit, and really highlight what is special about each neighborhood. Quicken Loans didn't look for a brand new city, but rather found a city they saw potential in and decided to dive in head-first.

I was fortunate enough to be able to go into these spaces, Quicken spaces and the city itself, and capture thousands of photos of what is beautiful and has been made beautiful all over the Motorcity and I would like to share some with you.

These are just a small sampeling of all of the amazing things I was able to photograph this summer.

To see more check out my Flickr at Cailee_Anne on Flickr!

Detroit truly is a beautiful city with amazing potential. I have utmost faith in this city pulling through and becoming more than it ever was before it it's "glory days." We will rise again, Detroit.

xoxox Cailee

Pinchin' Pennies

I haven't done a blog lately in regards to my frugal shopping and bargain hunting. Keep in mind, I don't buy anything unless I am getting these sorts of prices but the last few days have been exceptionally good. Good enough to dedicate a blog post to, I suppose.

To begin, a few nights ago I found this deal at Meijer.

These sandals were $15 each, buy one get one free! Total for both pairs: $15! 

Than yesterday I heard it was $1 flip-flop day at Old Navy. I drove up to my closest Old Navy only to find over an hour wait just to get in the store! As I was out shopping in the evening I stumbled across another Old Navy.. and this one was full of deals!! 

These pants were originally $34.50. I paid just $9.97

 

This shirt.. $16.94. I paid $4.49.

 

Another pair of fun patterned pants! $34.50. I paid $10.49

 

Another steal! Originally $17.94.

And the biggest Old Navy bargain.. Originally $29.50... I paid $1.47.

As for the flip-flops (ya know, the reason I went to Old Navy!) by the time I got there only 5s and 6s were left, and they were all black. I was walking away somewhat disappointed that my size 10 feet weren't getting any new flip flops when a nice sales man said "Why didn't you grab any sandals, miss?? You know you can return them anytime within 90 days for any size, any color and still get the $1 price." JACKPOT! I grabbed 3 :)

At the mall, I stopped by Charming Charlies. I don't usually get much there except for some clearance jewelry but I found a great sale.

I found this jewelry organizer on sale for $11 from $25 originally AND it was buy one clearance item get one free so I grabbed this peach scarf (below) for free!

Then today I went to Target and found this dress at 70% off!

Thanks, Target!

Also, while I was at Target, they were handing out bags with free samples and TONS of coupons. I got free gum, shampoo, snacks and a ton of other stuff. It was a successful trip!

I also stopped and got my free Biggby drink of choice (for my birthday!) on my way home. 

Lets do the math...

Meijer                          Originally $30.00                Got it for just $15

Old Navy                    Originally $141.33                                      $33.50

Charming Charlies      Originally $40.00                                        $11.00

Target                         Originally $24.99                                         $12.00

Biggby                       Originally $5.50                                           $0.00

   

Totals:                                        $241.82                            I paid:  $71.50 

A grand savings of $170.32!

Also, this was with NO coupons! Only clearance rack savings and a free birthday certificate at Biggby!

Spend your money on something else, get things on sale!

xoxox

Sweet Summertime

Its funny how your summer changes when you're working full-time.

Last summer I went to a beach or pool at least once or twice a week. I spent time with my sister and my friends, and all in all, spent a lot of time outside.

Here it is the end of June and I have yet to put on a bathing suit. Its funny how your whole schedule changes. You would think "well you have the weekends off to do these things," but I don't find myself thinking that at all.

I spent a lot of my Saturday catching up on my sleep. I woke up with a major headache. I attempted to go out and get some things done anyways, but ended back home in bed within an hour. (10:30am) I remained in bed until almost 4pm, at which point medicine finally began to work. Nick and I headed off to Great Lakes Crossing mall because I needed to get some more outfits for work since over the past 3 weeks I have found my selection to be limited and too repetitive. We didn't get home until almost 10:30pm and we attempted to watch a movie. By attempted I mean he watched a movie and I took another nap.

Today I woke up and went off running errands again. I needed to get some food for lunches for this week and ended finding another cute outfit for work at Target! (Bargain shopping might I add... )After that I took a car-load of things down to the new house and began setting up my room. On the way home, I decided to treat myself to a mani/pedi because my nails were looking kind of shabby and I wear sandals to work almost everyday. (That was less than a treat.... screaming children, a rough pedicure to say the least, and a manicure-ist that made my fingers bleed!)

Now I am back at home beginning to compile my portfolio for my internship, catching up on my internship blog, washing clothes so I am prepared for the week, organizing my week in my planner so I know what is coming up, and working on some content for social media that I feel may be interesting for this week. (Work, work, work!)

Everything I do ends up being work-related somehow. I don't mind it, it is what it is.. but it happens.

I am, however, hoping to find some time to relax and hit up a beach or two this summer. My only day off happens to be the 4th of July, though, and everyone and their brothers will be at the beaches.

Hope you all have a fantastic work-week, and if you happen to have the week off (like my mom!) don't rub it in :)

Early to bed, Early to Rise.

xoxox

Working Overtime

Time for an internship update! (Now that I am two and a half weeks in!)

The time is absolutely flying by. I cannot believe that I am more than a quarter of the way done already. When my eight weeks are up, I will be so sad to go. I have learned more in two weeks about my career, myself and the City of Detroit than I could ever have imagined. I have made great friends and been apart of so many awesome events in Detroit. One things I have gained ALOT of during this journey is photos. I will be sharing many of them during this blog post :)

Katie, America, Elizabeth, Gena and I at the Tigers Game!

Since beginning my internship, one of the most beneficial things I have learned is in relation to friends and coworkers. It is so important to find what good you bring out in others and also the good they bring out in you. I am lucky to have been placed on a team of creative, intelligent, and all-around happy people. We have similar career aspirations and all have things we can learn from one another. We've already been through quite a bit in two short weeks and will continue to tackle tasks together all summer.

The entire FOCUSed on Imagitivity team from Quicken Loans - -AKA The Unicorns!

Since day one at Quicken Loans, I have been working on all sorts of types of projects. I have done everything from furniture reviews to email templates, finding content and managing social media, and also working on some top-secret stuff. It is a lot of stuff that is fun, creative and very interesting to me, but at the same time, is an essential part of our company and team.

An example of something I have worked on is an Out of the Office template...

Coffee Overload Greetings and thank you for your email.  Unfortunately I will be out of the office on _______________. This morning I learned that six cups of coffee is too much. You know that moment when your hands start trembling and you can feel your heartbeat in every limb of your body? 10 minutes later…..crash, on the floor. Shortly later I was rushed off to the emergency room and had my body pumped of all the caffeine. They drove me home and removed all coffee, mugs and creamer from my house. That being said, if I seem sassy in the coming days please remember I am now operating caffeine-free.
 I will be out of the office from _______ at ______ (E_T) and will return on _______ at ______ (E_T). I will be checking email while out of the office, but if your email needs prompt attention, please forward it to (team member's name) at (team member's FULL email address). You may also call (team member's name) directly using our toll free number of (800) 226-6308, EXT. (team member's extension), or you can reach me by cell phone at (your cell phone number). Otherwise, I look forward to replying to your email when I return.
 If you want to sneak me in some coffee, let me know! If not, I understand. I think it is time to find a new vice.
  

Thank you and have an amazing day!  Over and out.

 Yeah... I love my job. I get to do creative writing, social media, some marketing and planning and totally embrace fun in the workplace and downtown Detroit.

Speaking of downtown.. all of the events Quicken send their interns to.... amazing!

Last Tuesday I attending the Gilbert Awards, which is pretty much an award show for Quicken Loans employee honors. It was a "black tie" affair held at the Opera House. It was a great way to meet more team members and just spend some time together out of the office.

Gena and I at the Gilbert Awards!

Last Friday the Imagitivity team boarded a bus and spent the afternoon touring art studios and galleries all over Detroit. We visited Russel Street Industrial Center, The Pioneer Building, Pewabic Pottery, and  Re:View gallery. We met many artists and got their take on art and Detroit. It was a great way to see more of the city and also experience lots of art and get inspired!

Last night I was given tickets to the Tigers baseball game! Not only was I given tickets but I was invited to a dinner at Hockeytown before hand and paid to attend the event. What other company can do that?

Today I was taken on another bus tour around Detroit, but this time focusing on Detroit landmarks, not art. We drove past many, many key points in Detroit and were able to spend some time on The Riverfront, in Midtown -- Avalon Bakery!, at D:Hive building, and on the streets of the Heidelberg project! It was extremely interesting to see all of these "hot spots" and learn more about the history of Detroit.

The Imagitivity girls at the Riverfront! 

  

More photos from the bus tour. (Left - D:Hive) and (Right - Heidelberg)

Aside from all of the organized events I've been apart of, I have also done some exploring myself. One of my favorite places to spend time during the day is Campus Martius.

The other day I was fortunate enough to be walking back from lunch just in time to run into Jesse Jackson. Yes, THE Jesse Jackson. Check it out!

We also have a lot of fun within our office and in our workspaces.

I know this post makes my work seem like all fun and games, and while sometimes I think so too, it is hard work. A typical work day for me is about 7:30-5. That doesn't include the half hour (give or take) commute down and then the 15 minutes I spend shuttling over and getting up to my floor. It makes for a long work day. Due to all of the events we've been attending, I've been working close to 50 hours each week (which is great since we can make overtime pay!) This is the reason I have not been able to blog more in-depth or more frequently during my internship. By the time I get home I scarf down dinner, shower, try to get an hour or two to spend time with family and friends and then I'm headed to bed pretty early. Its pretty much an "eat, sleep, repeat" process. 

In the next few days we have several more events and I will be sure to keep everyone updated on what we are working on. Until then, you can also view my photos on Facebook. I try to upload those as I take them!

Time for Bed!

xoxoxox

Engineered to Amaze

I apologize for it being a few weeks since I've had anything to say on here. In reality, I've had lots to say and no time to say it. Tonight I found a few minutes to sit down, conveniently while I'm waiting for my highlights to set at the hair salon. I feel like every time I get free time, I end up being busier than ever during that time. But brace yourselves...I've got lots to say. 

June 10th 2013 will forever be a day for the history books. 

Not only did I turn a whopping 20 years old.. But two other amazing things came into my life and were the best birthday presents I could've ever asked for. I began an internship of a lifetime (at least 3 days in it is .. Ask me again in 8 weeks!) I am working with the Focused on Imaginitivity team at Quicken Loans. I am still adjusting to having a commute, which takes me between 20 and 45 minutes, depending on the time, weather and traffic. I am working out of the Chrysler House (formerly Dime) building in Downtown Detroit. My office is on the 20th floor with a view over to Canada. We have a break room with popcorn, slush machines, coffee and cappuccinos and all sorts of snacks. The walls are "writable" like full sized white boards. It is truly unreal until you're in it everyday. 

On my first full day of work I toured all of the buildings in Detroit that Quicken or one of the sister companies (Bedrock, Title Source, Fathead etc.) are located in. I learned the ins and outs of One Woodward, One Detroit, Compuware, Chrysler House, First National Building, the Chase building (Qube!) and the M@dison building. I feel like I've been in Detroit my whole life by the way I can already navigate the city. 

The second day of work I began doing furniture reviews because the team I am apart of designs the spaces that Quicken Loans owns. I sat in chairs and couches while rating and critiquing them. I also wrote up some historical profiles on the buildings we toured the day before. I could not have asked for a more interesting position or place to get an internship.

On my team we all have quirky nicknames or job titles. Mine is Abstract Glitter Consultant. I am still getting the hang of the position and all it entails but I will be sure to let you know.

Second major event of my 20th birthday.... We (my family) closed on a new house. In just a few weeks we will be packing up and heading to Grosse Ile! This change will be bittersweet, but change is good and life goes on. The house is beautiful and the yard is huge. It is located right on the canal that runs through the island, so we have water to look out on in the backyard!

I will try my best to post updates as the move unfolds.

For now, I am going to take a nap because working 9 hour days plus the commute is draining me and I need to work on adjusting to it. What better way to adjust then sleep?

Zzzzzz....

xoxox

Wanderlust.

People are blessed in a variety of ways. Tonight I was looking through some of my old photos and I realized I have been extremely blessed in the amount of traveling I have been able to do. I have taken trips all over the country, and even to Europe several times. I know some people have traveled a lot more than I have but I also know that a lot of people have never left this home state.

For starters, I have been to Canada more times than I can count. For people from the Detroit area this is no surprise I'm sure. We go there for a trip to a certain store, restaurant or even just to sight-see. We also have been going there a lot lately for highland dance competitions for Jilly! Also, my aunt has a cottage we go to in the summers that is right on Lake Erie in Canada.

This is Nick, Jilly, Charlie and I at the cottage last summer!

Aside from Canada, another place I seem to visit a lot is Northern Michigan! I love this part of the state and could spend every day of my life up there. I have been going to Traverse City every summer since before I could walk, so I don't like to think of myself as a tourist when I am up there. The northern part of Michigan is just so beautiful and all the beaches that span for miles... Love.

Theseare from a beautiful city we stayed at right on Lake Michigan in Goodheart, MI in 2009. 

 

Those photos are from two separate summers but both taken at the Old Mission Lighthouse, just north of Traverse City. I love to hangout there, especially around sunset. 

My cousin Fiona and I building sandcastles in Traverse City - Summer 2011.

Jilly, Nick and I at the Traverse City State Hospital 

(which i featured in an older blog -- Closed for Business.) 

Aside from Northern Michigan, I've taken several trips to one of the most popular "tourist" locations and amusement parks in the Midwest .. Cedar Point!

 I can also say that I have ridden every single ride at Cedar Point, aside from GateKeeper, which WILL happen this summer. I am determined to keep my record up. 

Another location that I have traveled to several times that is somewhat close (at least in the same region  and only about a 5 hour drive is Chicago! Many of the Chicago trips I have taken have been with my high school German classes, which I can definitely say were some of the best trips of my life thus far. I made so many friends and so many amazing memories through those trips and ever year in that first week of December I wish that I was on the bus with them en route to Chicago and watching Elf (or did that fad die off with Emily and I??)  We also took a few family trips to Chicago, once with our favorite German exchange students - Katharina and Tristan! 

"The bean" and the German group from Dec. 2009.

The beautiful Windy City as seen from the John Hancock Tower. 

Silly Chicago photos with great friends! 

The Drzinski/McIntosh Chicago trip with "the Germans" in 2010! <3

 More photos from exploring Chicago... Navy Pier and The Bean. 

Aisde from staying local, I have taken six major trips to other parts of the country... a trip to Florida, which I cannot find any photos from but I was about 6 or 7 years old, a trip California for my senior year Spring Break with my sister and grandpa, a cruise to New York, Boston, Maine, and some other locations on the east coast and in Canada, a trip to Washington DC for Halloween 2010 and two trips to Pennsylvania. 

At Universal Studios, Hollywood with Jilly, Grandpa and Aunt Delores in 2011.

More California photos, enjoying being in the warmth while there was a snow day at home!

Daddy/Daughter trip to Scranton PA to see Dave Matthews Band up close! 

(10 hour drive for a concert... crazy right!?)

  

Photos with friends I made on our cruise and a pre-cruise shot in NY with Jilly! 

Segway riding, site seeing and relaxing in DC.

Photos from my trip to Philly. Even though this trip didn't turn out to be what it was supposed to be I had a week-long vacation and learned a lot about a city that I know I could learn to love. However, I also learned that living in a big city like that is not for me. 

And now we come to a point in my travels that requires leaving the United States. I have been fortunate enough to travel to Europe 3 times. Twice to Scotland and once to Germany. These were amazing trips and words cannot even begin to describe the amount of things I learned from them. I cannot wait to return to both of these beautiful locations and spend much, much more time learning and exploring them. I do not have many photos of my trips to Scotland on my computer, in fact I only found one, as they were from when I was 2 and 14. If you would like to come over and look through tons of photo albums of the photos, you are more than welcome to ;)

While in Scotland in 2007, some of my family and I climbed Bennachie. This is us at the top! 

However, when it comes to my trip to Germany, I have tons of photos.

The other girl from the US that went to the same school as me in Germany, Erin! We spent lots of time together discussing our situations and picking each other up when we had a rough day. I am so thankful to have had you there with me, especially at school, Erin! <3 

Katharina and Julia, my "sisters" from my host family, plus some of their friends! Love and miss you!

The night my french fries and mayo obsession began. Or should I say "pommes mit mayo."

Half in East Germany and Half in West. -- Berlin, Germany. 

Great times with great friends in Marburg. 

The school I attended in Germany. St. Lioba Schule <3

Exploring Frankfurt with Katha and Nick! 

Looking back on all of this pictures makes me want to travel in the worst way, but it also makes me feel so thankful and so grateful to have had all of these amazing opportunities to literally travel the world. In my (almost) 20 years of life I have seen so much and been so fortunate. How many people can say they have been to Europe 3 times before they turned 20? 

Are you making plans to travel now?

xoxox