Valentine’s Day at The Iron Horse Hotel

From the moment I walked in to the Iron Horse Hotel I was struck by the cozy welcoming atmosphere. For a hotel that allows you to bring your puppy along, I guess they sort of have to be. It was in that spirit that we spent our weekend in Milwaukee, lounging in the chic hall (pictured below) where there was a diverse mix of guests, from bikers to business men, eating dinner and enjoying cocktails from the hotel restaurants and bar. I had to take these pictures in the early morning hours because at night it was jam-packed, I think Valentine’s day was a big weekend for the hotel, not surprisingly!

The story behind the hotel name comes from when the Native Americans referred to the freight trains during the Industrial era as the ‘Iron Horse’, and this building is a 100 year old warehouse building from that time, turned into a swank boutique hotel. Now the Iron Horse refers to the homage to the Harley-Davidson, and the biker culture, something that is reflected in the decor throughout. The Harley-Davidson Museum is also right down the street and definitely worth popping in to.

The rooms are high ceiling lofts, with a modern style to the decor. There was a beautiful original mural on one wall in our room, created by local Milwaukee artist Charles Dwyer. The art was a photograph of a local woman, printed on canvas in sepia tone, and was hand embellished by the artist himself. I know this because there was a little blurb about the artist and the background on the picture as well. Loved that small but very important detail!
Whenever we ordered room service it arrived in like 10 minutes, despite the kitchen telling us it would take 45. The fish tacos are to-die-for, as is the pear salad. 

The complimentary Collectivo coffee that is served in the lobby was so good- both Tom and I remarked about it to each other – and that is a big deal because how often do you really remark about hotel coffee?

We had dinner at Smyth restaurant for Valentine’s day, and had the most amazing crab cakes, and the lamb dish was superb. I loved the cheese board, even though I admit I debated for a while on getting the cheese curds plate because it is so much more “Wisconsin”. Tom and I are also kind of snobby when it comes to bread and butter at restaurants, and they passed our critique with flying colors – the bread was hot and fresh and the butter was soft and whipped and sweet.

What I wore for V-day dinner: 

Dress: Asos | Purse: Heritage S | Ring: K. Amato | Shoes: Christian Louboutin

So now you know that our weekend consisted of a ton of eating and relaxing at the hotel. I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect weekend!

Follow Me! @zahra_sandberg

Instagram

Last week we took a quick trip to escape the snow for some sunshine in Key Largo, Florida☀️ We spent every moment possible outside, Tom and Adam got their Scuba Diver PADI certification (yay!) while Sophia and I spent our days either swimming or drawing marine life and landscapes. This was my first trip after my sister passed last November, and even though I look so happy here, there were so many moments I felt the grief and sadness, as if it happened just yesterday. I am still figuring out how I want to show up in this space, as I have changed so much as a person since the loss. I just don’t feel called to post some of the things I shared before. Maybe that will change someday, or maybe it will just naturally evolve into something new. I think I will take this year to just process it all. (Even the idea of taking an entire year to think through something is a huge shift for my usually hyperactive type A personality) My focus at the moment is just living in the moment with my family and friends, spending time doing things that make me happy and healthy. I hope to share some of that journey here with you ~ thanks for following along ❤️
I had planned to shoot this outfit in collaboration with @lenacoutureofficial right before my dear sister passed away. Saba, the designer, was more than understanding if I didn’t want to anymore - but after thinking on it for a while I decided I wanted to - in my sister’s honor 💗 She was always my biggest hype woman. When i would feel like I’m not good enough or that I should quit (which was often) she would tell me I was unique and great and to keep it up. When I think of my sister, beauty and love is all that she embodied in her being. She expressed that on the outside also - as she loved to wear everything glam, bright & colorful, and full of bling. Hair done, nails done, everything did - that was Nusrat. For this shoot I took the time to get glam after a long hiatus - and makeup and hair took so long because I think I forgot how to do it, but afterwards I was surprised how I felt transformed. When I wore this gorgeous outfit that I know was designed with such love and incredible attention to detail by @lenacoutureofficial, I felt all of that beauty - like a walking piece of art, and very much at peace. Thank you so much to @divmophoto for capturing the feeling so well 💕
Ski weekend with my favorites ❄️❄️ So proud of Sophia for skiing on her own for the first time!
There are some trees with seeds that only grow after a fire. Their seeds are completely sealed with a resin that have to be physically melted off by a great fire in order to propagate. So to do we as humans, gain wisdom only after great pain and suffering.*
A month ago (and one day) I lost my sister and best friend to cancer. I am still completely gutted and broken. But, I’m also so so grateful to have had felt the love that now brings me so much heartbreak. ❤️ I am so inspired by her - and I will forever live my life to honor her memory. Miss you sis ❤️
Classic outfit combo: oversized blazer + denim 🖤fendi mules @shoeslutz
Just a mom who loves mums 🌸 🪴
Cozy for a coffee date ☕️
French. Toast. Egg. Bake. Save this recipe for a weekend or holiday brunch - it’s SO good and fool-proof! I’m not even a sweet person and I love it. The pecans are a non-negotiable IMO - I get honey bourbon vanilla pecans for this and it is just heavenly. Enjoy!