Weekend in Kilkenny

It was a weekend filled with castles, cathedrals, and abbeys. We traveled two hours to Kilkenny County, where we stayed overnight in a hotel. Our trip included six sites, all of which had deep historical meaning, and of course were beautiful places to see!



The Rock of Cashel




Hore Abbey (often humorously mistaken as whore abbey)




Cahir Castle




St. Canice Cathedral






Kilkenny Castle




Jerpoint Abbey






We had a lovely time exploring Kilkenny, and we were happy to have a night out at one of the pubs for a delicious Irish meal and dessert.

Taylor Swift & Coldplay

Love Story Taylor Swift meets Viva La Vida Coldplay, by Jon Schmidt.

A Cello and a Piano. Beautiful.

BHLDN

I have been dying for Anthropologie to come out with their wedding line, and now it is finally here! BHLDN knows how to celebrate femininity, beauty, and tasteful wedding fashion.

Fun fact: BHLDN was inspired by the Dutch word for "to keep"


"our offering speaks more to the not-so-everyday occasions—ours is a voice that celebrates a woman’s most anticipated milestones. And one that gives tradition a twist."

Visit the site HERE

Flowers by Lynda

After I received my beautiful flowers from Jordan on Valentines day, I was curious about the little shop around the corner where he bought them from. Instead of my usual routine of passing the florist while walking into the main center of town, I stopped in to say hello to Lynda and see what her place was all about.

It was a pleasant and welcoming shop, with just the right personality for my taste. I guess I haven't been into many floral shops before, maybe not any in my life, but I knew right away that this one has something special. I think it might be Lynda's passion for her business that makes it so wonderful.

She greeted my friend Emily and I with a smile and a hello. We chatted with her for a few minutes, explaining who we were and why we were here in Ireland. We quickly learned that Lynda is from that States as well! Pennsylvania actually, although you would never be able to tell with her great Irish accent. Her shop has been open since September, and it has been such a hit in the community of Greystones.

I think if I had a flower shop, this is just the way I could only dream it would be.















You can visit the website HERE (Flowers by Lynda delivers internationally as well)



"I love flowers and have an eye for design and color. I believe beauty makes people happy and I’ve seen what happens when a client is surrounded by the things and the people they love most. It’s magic!" - Lynda

A little thanks

This is the sort of thing I see everyday.




Thank you God for creating such magnificence. The moment I see it, I am reminded of how small and unimportant I am. We all need that every now and again.


In chapel today we were given a bit of advice from an Irishman named Derek. He spoke about our tendency to worry about how we measure up to what everyone else is doing with their lives. We focus on other peoples accomplishments, constantly comparing ourselves to the world instead of focusing on our calling from God.

He said,

"learn what it is that God wants you to do with your life, then do it, and mind your own business"


what a freedom I would have if I just minded my own business.

Happy Valentine's Day!

He knew just what I wanted.

1. Beautiful Flowers
2. Yummy Irish biscuits (aka, cookies, for those of you in the states)
3. Hugs and Kisses








And for him...







It was so much fun :)
I do hope that you enjoyed this little Hallmark Holiday too.

Sex & Money

"In 2007, a group of student photojournalists embarked on a journey through 20+ nations on every inhabitable continent, motivated by their love for photography and their passion for justice. At the outset, their experiences seemed diverse, even random. However, a common thread of human suffering would soon emerge as their travels exposed them to a dark, seldom discussed side of humanity-- children being bought and sold to satisfy the sexual pleasures of other humans."








Currently, across America, between 100,000 and 300,000 minors are being sexually exploited




I heard about this project from my friend Kelsey Lantz, another who is passionately against the injustice of human trafficking.


Read more about the film here

Fashion Spotlight

TopShop print dress




ModCloth More than a spectator heel

Anthropologie Pahoehoe Flow Top



Steven Alan Fall Doctor Satchel



JCrew Knotted Mesh Necklace


Etsy Vintage leather riding boots

Bray Walk

What a great day it was to wake up at 9:00am for a hike in Ireland.



I love living by the sea.

2 Years of Bliss

It seems like we have been dating forever, but in reality it has just been a few years. On February 8th we made a point to take some time out for ourselves, dwelling on the fact that the past years together have been some of the best years of our lives.

I am happy to say that Jordan Shepherd is my best friend, and I am completely in love with him. There is no other man for me.












Soon we will have a new anniversary day to celebrate :)