Fashion Friday

Happy Happy Friday!! And Happy Halloween! 

With fall in full swing, I'm wearing my LL Bean Boots almost everyday.  They keep my feet warm and dry despite the cold, rain, and wind that frequents the weather forecast. While I love my Bean Boots, there are also some great alternatives for the fall season! Here are a few other great boot options!

Slimshortie Boot

Scotia Boot

Duck Boot

Salomon Hime Boot

The best way to ensure snuggly feet in the fall is to pair your favorite boots with a cozy pair of socks! I absolutely love socks and have a whole drawer practically overflowing with them.  While I have collected socks from a wide range of stores, I have personally found that some of the best socks to layer under boots come from J. Crew and Target.  My favorite picks include:

J.Crew Barbour Houndstooth

J.Crew Plaid Trouser

J.Crew Fair Isle

Target Brown Argyle

Target Alaska Knits Fair Isle

Easy Breakfast Idea

Being an extremely novice chef, I love recipes that have limited ingredients and do not require a lot of preparation or work.  So when I stumbled across this recipe for yummy two ingredient pancakes (only eggs and a banana), I was thrilled. My usual breakfast consists of yogurt and granola so the prospect of starting the day with warm, comforting (and easy) pancakes is so exciting! I'm going to add some cinnamon to the batter as well so that the pancakes have a fall-y flavor.

Two Ingredient Pancakes

Freedom

Sometimes I find it hard to discern what God is telling me.  I can get so wound up in my own issues that I forget to lift up my worries and burdens to the Lord and wait for His guidance (which always comes in the most perfect way). Other times, God practically flashes His message to me like a bright neon sign. 

Recently, I've been spending more glorious time reading and meditating on God's word (it's become one of my favorite activities). In doing so, I noticed a common theme that I kept coming across whether it was through scripture or a Bible study.  

FREEDOM

A few weeks ago, I was participating in an online Bible study through She Reads Truth-an amazing online resource for women that I highly recommend. One of the texts that was included in the study was from 1 Peter 2:16.  The verse reads:

"Live as people who are FREE, not using your FREEDOM as a cover up for evil, but living as servants of God."

I wrote down this verse in my journal and then honestly forgot about it. However, God was not done teaching me about this idea of freedom.  Yesterday at church, one of the verses we discussed was from John 8: 31-36.  A portion of this text reads:

"…the truth will make you FREE."

As I opened my journal to prepare to take notes from the sermon, my eyes immediately landed on that first verse from 1 Peter. The word FREE practically jumped off the page. It was one of those God moments where, with His help, I finally recognized the importance of this idea of freedom through Jesus Christ.

For me, freedom through God is one of the most liberating, awe-inspiring, hopeful messages! I'm free from the burdens of this world:  the trap of perfectionism, the pressure to get the best grades, this world's idea of the ideal body, etc. I am enough. You are enough.  Just the way we are. Jesus' suffering and ultimate death on the cross frees us from the concerns of this world so that we can instead channel our focus on the most important thing-living our lives according to His will. He chose me and He chose you. He loves me and He loves you.  We are free through God.  Amen. 

Biscuits and Barbour

This week has been filled with travel adventures! Last Friday, I departed for London to spend a lovely (and unbelievably fast) weekend with my college roommate from sophomore year. Having already been to London, we tried to visit some spots that I hadn't seen yet. We began our British excursions with as stop at Abbey Road for the touristy walking-across-the-road photo op (as a Beatles fan, I was in heaven). We then stopped by the station at King's Cross to try our luck at catching the Hogwarts Express at Platform 9 3/4. So fun! After many pictures, Erica and I made our way to the mecca of all department stores, Harrods! With a quick bite from a delicious food stall in the basement (the best thai noodle salad), we tackled each floor with reverence and awe.  We gawked at the unparalleled selection of handbags, jewelry, and shoes and fantasized about the day when we can (maybe) afford some of them. Once we fully satisfied our fashion cravings, we went back to Erica's dorm room in Chelsea to relax, eat dinner and prepare for a pub crawl.  Even though I don't really drink, I still had a great time seeing all the different pub venues and of course spending time with Erica! I then pulled my first all-nighter and went right from the pub crawl to the airport to fly back to Copenhagen.

On Monday, I flew to Dublin with one of my friends in my program.  We stayed in the Temple Bar area, which was the perfect location to walk to all the spots we wanted to visit! We visited Trinity College and saw the Book of Kells, stopped by all the National Museums, had fish and chips for dinner, toured the Guinness factory, saw the beautiful St. Patrick's Cathedral, and celebrated our trip with drinks in a traditional Irish pub! Since we were only in Dublin for three days, it was such a whirlwind! Unfortunately, due to poor scheduling, I spent all day Thursday in the Dublin airport (11 hours!). Luckily, the airport had wifi so I was able to talk to my mom on the phone periodically throughout the day.  Around the ninth hour, perhaps out of pity, my mom suggested that I purchase a Barbour jacket I had been eyeing up from a store in the airport. Practically mad from being cooped up in the airport all day, I decided to take my mom up on the offer and I am now a proud new owner of a beautiful Barbour jacket that is absolutely perfect for the drizzly cold weather in Copenhagen! Thanks mom!

All in all, my UK adventure was so fun and I am very thankful for each new experience!

(Almost) Fashion Friday

So I know it's not actually Friday yet, but since I'm leaving tomorrow afternoon to visit my college roommate in London for the weekend (yay!), I wanted to share my fun, fashion, finds a day early!

Wind is abundant in Copenhagen and can really chill you to the core.  While I've always loved scarves, they have transcended being merely an accessory and have become a necessity.

Here are some very cute (and wallet-friendly) scarves!

Oversized Plaid Scarf Option 1,
Oversized Plaid Scarf Option 2,
Multicolored Plaid Scarf,
Knit Infinity Scarf,
Houndstooth Infinity Scarf

Here are two great examples of ways to incorporate scarves into your fall wardrobe!

What Makes a House a Home

Last night, I weathered cold, rain, and wind to attend a young adults Bible Study with a group of sweet, Jesus-loving students from my church here in Copenhagen.  With the navigational help of a fellow DIS student, I managed to find the Pastor's home (the first house I've been in since arriving in Copenhagen in August).  Upon arriving, I was immediately grateful for the shelter from the cold and rain as well as comforted by the sight of friendly faces and the smell of pumpkin soup on the stove. The cozy home was sprinkled with candles and filled with laughter and love.

After the perfect soul-warming dinner of pumpkin soup, salad, and fresh bread, we retired into the living room where, wrapped up in tartan print blankets and nurturing cups of coffee and tea, we opened our Bibles to the book of Hebrews and began reading chapter 8.  Once we were done our round robin reading of the chapter, under the Pastor's guidance, we discussed any questions, concerns, or thoughts we had about the passage and then concluded the evening with prayer requests for the week ahead.

Being in a home surrounded by fellow believers, even if only for a few hours, was so encouraging and a wonderful way to start my week.  I am so thankful to be able to share my love of Christ and my faith journey with such a diverse group of Christians.  While many good reminders were discussed during the Bible Study, one comment really struck a chord for me.

We must sacrifice efficiency to listen to God.  

In the world today, and especially in American culture, speed and efficiency have great value.  I am often guilty of prioritizing quantity over quality, wanting to check everything off my to-do list instead of completing each task to the best of my ability.

In the same way, I sometimes struggle to wait for God's timing. I think I have a plan that will get to the end result in a faster, more efficient way.  But as a follow of Jesus, I need to remember that God doesn't value efficiency; His timing is perfect.  Instead of interceding to "speed up the process", I need to pray to God for Him to help me be patient and trusting in His ultimate plan for my life.

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."

Jeremiah 29:11

Fashion Friday

It's Friday! Another week checked off the calendar! 

With traveling so frequently, when I have a finally have a full week of classes, there are abundant readings and assignments.  Plus, after cooking dinner for all my housemates last night (about 25 people) and finishing a twelve page research paper, I am officially living by the motto:

"All I need today is a bit of coffee and a whole lot of Jesus."

Onto fashion friday! Right now I'm loving fall shoes! In high school, during Homecoming Week, my school would host a 80's dress-up day. Instead of adorning neon spandex and crop tops, I would elect to sport a preppy sweater and my mom's vintage penny loafers (complete with an actual penny). 

I love the look of a pair of classic penny loafers.  Here are some of my favorite loafer styles from G.H. Bass, the company responsible for introducing the first pair of penny loafers in 1876!

Denim Weejuns, Kiltie Tassel Loafer, Missy Driver

(A classic shoe on a classy lady)

Monday Motivation

Happy Monday!

This weekend was spent recuperating from my long study tour- lots of relaxing, having wonderfully long phone conversations with my mom and watching many episodes of Gilmore Girls. I also went to church on Sunday and saw the most adorable baby's baptism, it was such a treat!

I also accomplished some items from my fall to-do list: my floor mate made absolutely delicious pumpkin bread (thanks, Pinterest) and I found a scented candle in Amsterdam called "Cheer in a Cup" (it doesn't get more festive than that!).

In preparing my heart and mind for this week, the verse from James 1:12 stands out to me.

"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because having stood the test of time that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him."

Life is not easy; challenges arise everyday in both subtle and obvious ways.  However, these challenges are not in vain. God's love does not abandon us in times of struggle. Instead, by overcoming obstacles with God's help, we deepen our relationship with God and are drawn closer to Him.

My goal this week is to find the little joys, the blessings amidst the struggles- whether it be starting a new book, enjoying a conversation over a cup of coffee, or taking a stroll around the block.  God knows the needs and desires of my heart and He never ceases to provide.

God is good.

I Am Never Alone

To be honest, being away from home is hard.  I am blessed with a very close relationship to my parents and friends who are currently miles and miles away.  Thanks to modern technology, I am able to stay in contact with them and I talk to my mom at least once every day.  However, I still feel the distance and loneliness can creep up without warning.  

Since coming abroad, I have been challenged in ways for which I was totally unprepared. I came to Copenhagen with a boyfriend and an expectation of what my life would look like here. To say that nothing has gone according to my plan would be an understatement. I have gone through my first breakup, made new friends, and have been confronted with situations outside my comfort zone on a daily basis--all miles and miles away from the tangible support of my family. 

But that's where God comes in.  He is the ultimate source of love, courage and companionship.  In those dark moments when the distance from home seems unbearable, I call out to God and talk to Him. I share with Him my fears, my anxieties, my joys, and my hope for the future.  I spend time reflecting on His truth and I remember that I am never alone.  

fear not, for I am with you;

    be not dismayed, for I am your God;

I will strengthen you, I will help you,

    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

Long Study Tour

Happy October 1st!

The air is getting crisper and the leaves on the (few) trees I see are starting to change colors. Although I won't be participating in any pumpkin patches or apple picking this season, the festive fall atmosphere is still contagious!

I am celebrating the beginning of a new month in Brussels, Belgium with my core course. Since arriving on Sunday, my days have been busy with interesting lectures and fun activities.  I went on an extensive bike tour around Brussels, listened to members from NATO, the European Parliament, the European Commission, and other influential European organizations, and dabbled in chocolate-making--and the trip isn't over yet! I am so blessed to have the opportunity to explore this new city with some really great classmates.  I've had lots of "pinch-me" moments!

Here are some photos that recap the awesome experiences I've had so far in Brussels!

Tonight I am going to dinner with my class where we'll eat mussels in Brussels and then tomorrow we leave Belgium and continue our long study tour adventure in The Netherlands before flying back to Copenhagen on Friday!