plan b

Winter fatigue. 
That's a good way to describe how we're all feeling in Minnesota these days.

This past weekend we had a huge spring blizzard keeping most of us stuck at home. Making chili, drinking wine, playing hide-and-go-seek, play dough, and hanging outside in the snow.  Definitely Plan B.

More snow in the forecast for this week. We live in the deep-freeze from November through April (that's half of the year folks!) It's Minnesota and I'm used to this, but let me tell you, the spring fever is cray-zeeee! 

We're all in it together. Doing what we can to stay motivated and make the most of this time of year. Sunshine helps.

Similarly when working through interior design phases, flexibility is key to a smooth project. I've found that Plan B sometimes IS the best. 

turquoise escape

Although these few days went fast...every second was savored and appreciated. 

Feeling so grateful for this get-away.

through the lens

A busy summer of work and play in Minneapolis!

• A break from the heat -- Starbucks rainbow drinks
• Bonfire on the rooftop in Northloop
• Outdoor patio with Mojitos 
• Great view at a client Twins' Game
• Interior Designers' HH at Betty Danger's

get-away

Minnesota's North Shore. 
Each day: rest. explore. dine. repeat. Always the perfect get-away. 

"Nature teaches us simplicity and contentment, because in its presence we realize we need very little to be happy."
-Marc Coleman

https://www.instagram.com/jodi_sienna5lynn/

tuesday's detour

https://instagram.com/jodi_sienna5lynn/

summer montage

Simple pleasures.

Sipping blueberry mojitos 

Celebrating a milestone with great friends  

Sunset walks with my sons 

Weekend doughnuts and lattes

...And lots of sunshine

little helper

https://www.facebook.com/siennalynnstudio

‪#‎bringyourbabytoworkday‬ ‪#‎minneapolisdesign‬ ‪#‎siennalynnstudio‬ ‪#‎imac‬‪#‎commercialdesign‬ ‪#‎entreprenuer‬

follow it

Inspirational graffiti on my run today. Made me smile:

‪#‎followyourheart‬ ‪#‎minneapolis‬ ‪#‎dowhatyoulove‬ ‪#‎intuition‬ ‪#‎inspiration‬‪#‎happygraffitti‬

https://instagram.com/jodi_sienna5lynn/

valentine

 Happy Valentine's day! 

Spending my days (and nights) with this sweet newborn. 
Enjoying these precious moments in time.   

new year excitement

In the midst of some exciting commercial interiors projects...lots to do before the due date later this month!

Sienna Lynn Studio current projects:

• Downtown advertising agency
• North Loop building (lofts and creative agencies)
• Penthouse loft decor
• Residential remodel 
• Office suites (new branded build-outs)
• Coffee House (cafe and event space)

celebrate good times

This week we celebrated the little moments and the milestones. 

Another year older means accepting my food intolerance and enjoying a delicious dairy-free cake, real paper cards from family and friends, blowing out candles and making a birthday wish.

The celebration continued into the weekend of our anniversary with (non-alcoholic) champagne as I start my third trimester of pregnancy. Grateful for health, family, friends and clients that make this journey the adventure that it is.   

travel

Back from a long weekend at the North Shore. Hiking, campfires on the beach, excellent food, and adventure.
Refreshed, full of energy and ready for a busy work week!

(Split Rock Lighthouse, Two Harbors, MN)

(Temperance River State Park, Schroeder, MN)

warehouse district

During college I worked downtown Minneapolis at an artist supply store.  It was a cool gig for a design student -- surrounded by the best art supplies while working with professional artists and designers.  The location: the Warehouse District.  A run-down neighborhood of old factories and warehouses with a subtle hip vibe.   

Fast-forward 15 years and this place is THE place to be.  Now called North Loop, the scene consists of stylish apartments and condos capitalizing on the views of downtown and Target Field. 
  

(Smack Shack lunch crowd, patio seating)

An ideal hub for the creative agencies by day, microbreweries and pedal pubs by night.  And the restaurants...let me tell you about the restaurants!

(A little pub crawl, between Parlor and Marvel)

(Dinner at Borough)

These are my favorite spots to dine in the Warehouse District/North Loop: Click links below for websites and menus:
Bar LaGrassa
Borough
Sapor
Smack Shack 
Freehouse

        Happy dining!

"baking bright futures"

We had such a great volunteer experience yesterday!   

Cookie Cart is a non-profit organization providing amazing opportunities to Minneapolis youth. Check out their story here: http://shop.cookiecart.org/
(Photomontage by the talented MoK Photography)

spark

Instead of a new year's resolution, I'm doing something a little different this year. 

My personal goal: getting out of my comfort zone as often as possible.  So far, 2014 includes a networking event, coordinating a volunteer event with inner city youth, experimenting with new cultural cuisine, taking zumba/hip-hop classes (and fitting in some naps).

What's next? I have no idea...that's the fun part!

What do you do to spark energy and creativity?  Any recommendations for events in the Twin Cities, let us know!

"Life begins at the end of your comfort zone."   

-Neale Donald Wasche 

art escape

cold.   arctic.  windchill.
The buzz words in Minnesota this week.  So cold that all schools are closed today and tomorrow (-45 degree windchill).

Fortunately, over the weekend we broke out of the house for 
an art day at the Walker Art Museum!  

The Claes Oldenburg exhibit was interesting.   Indoor giant random sculptures of french fries, desserts, light switches, and toilets...  

Outside, the Spoonbridge and Cherry by Claus Oldenburg was ours to admire in the sunny, above zero weather.

The warm, green house was a bonus.  Good for the soul.

 

event

Getting the placecards and dancin' shoes ready for the big event this weekend!

halo

Rainbow halo in the sky. A fantastic sight on a cold February day.

therapy

The very, very best way to clear the mind and soul:
walk.  hike.  explore.

yellow sky

Taking a break from work to enjoy my city. "Influenced by the Mississippi River's proximity and beauty, architect Jean Nouvel's vision for 'theaters in the sky' made way for countless architectural feats in the facility."
-Guthrie Theater, Minneapolis