Weekend Wishes

On my way back from school today I decided to explore through a couple of streets that are absolutely and quintessentially Scandinavian. I've ridden by them before and since I was just returning on my own I thought I would stop and take a peak... the roads were so quaint. I don't even think the picture does it justice but I thought I would share an original weekend wishes picture for a change! 

Even though  I am in Denmark and they don't celebrate Labor Day I hope everyone at home has a wonderful three day weekend! Although Labor Day typically marks the end of summer I don't mind the transition to fall. In fact, I got the best care package yesterday and in addition to amazing letters and printouts, some granola and peanut butter pretzels from the family, I also got the J.Crew Fall magazine. Fall means back to school and transition to fall clothes...

I'm loving the J.Crew collection this fall! Their jackets this season are amazing... I love this cute one and this is beyond amazing! This weekend in Denmark is expected to be pretty overcast and rainy so cuddling up in these would be wonderful too! 

I read this blog feature this morning on the owner of the company Waiting on Martha. I loved how honest she was about her business and her world and took away this powerful quote, "Comparison is the thief of all joy." The pictures of her office are stunning as well! 

Hope everyone has a great weekend! xox

Words of Wisdom

Well hello there! I'm sorry I have been gone for a while... its been a crazy first week and a half and I've been exploring nonstop. I've been posing over here as much as I can and have visited so many amazing places, most of which I travel to on bike (trying to be as Danish as possible). In addition to seeing so many exciting sites, I have met some great people. My professors have been absolutely amazing... I love every one of them. The students on the program are unbelievable, I have met some great friends and have truly enjoyed adventuring around with them! 

On an adventure last week, my friend Maddy and I (people think we are roommates because we are always doing things together), went to school with our bikes and instead of riding them all the way home we decided to take them on the train. In Denmark everyone has a bike and when they don't want to ride their bike they hop on to the train's bike section... ever so eloquently of course. 

Well Maddy and I weren't so eloquent, you see, there is such thing in Denmark as bike rush hour and believe me it exists, we happened to pick a perfect time for the train to be filled with bikes and we had to set our bike into a spot on the train. We managed to do this okay but our train car quickly filled and we ended up getting boxed in, at this point the two of us just looked at each other and started to laugh. When our stop came up I managed to glide my bike through the others without colliding too much but Maddy happened to be in the middle of the train car and she was blocked in by other bikes and three strollers... She began pulling her bike out only to have two others begin to fall. She caught the other two bikes and some woman managed to catch Maddy's. 

By this point the two of us are laughing so hard that we can barely see from the tears in our eyes. In addition, everyone in the train car is laughing and staring... BUT they were laughing with us and clearly they felt bad for us and helped us get off the train. We both talked about this situation later and said that had we had a different attitude with the whole situation we probably wouldn't have gotten the helpful reaction that we did and we wouldn't have amused everyone else on the train either! They might not have all understood what we were saying but laughter became the universal language for us at that moment. 

Another quick laughter story... Maddy and I (of course) were at the grocery store trying to find balsamic vinegar. We walked through the whole store and had no luck so the two of us are walking around again and talking about how we can't find the vinegar. This man is standing directly behind us in the aisle laughing his head off at us... We might not have gotten the vinegar but we did provide amusement for sure! 

I'm really going to try and post more frequently in the coming months... Still in the process of getting settled and planning everything out. 

Hope you have a great day filled with laughter! xox

I'm In Copenhagen!

I'm officially here! After a long day traveling yesterday and getting moved into my amazing dorm I went out for some exploring. Today has involved a trip to the center of Copenhagen and getting books for my classes. I'll have the first night of home cooking tonight and am excited for the adventure... I have to say I like the idea of shopping for groceries so often and getting fresh! More pictures to come but in the meantime check out this post for some more Copenhagen stories! 

xox

Weekend Wishes & Links

Another week of summer has flown by and for me this means that the summer is officially over... It's back to school for me. This semester back to school is going to be a little different because I'm studying abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark for four months instead of going back to campus. I'm going to miss my family (Teddy Bear included) and friends a lot and after spending the whole summer on campus it's going to be weird not going back to it. This is going to be an amazing experience, one that I am excited to embark on! 

While I am away I will of course be blogging here but I made an additional blog called A Girl In The Know Takes Copenhagen where I will be frequently posting about my experience and the program itself. So feel free to check out my other blog as well! 

Have you heard of Lifeguard Press? It's a site that has the most adorable Lilly Pulitzer, Jonathan Adler and Kate Spade items. I can't get over all of the Lilly... this Lilly market bag is beyond adorable, I also love this, this and these. If I was going back to campus I might have picked up some of them! 

Have you ever heard of group doctor's appointments?! When I read this article I couldn't believe it... but it seems like the response from patients thus far has been surprisingly accepting. 

I hope that you all have a wonderful weekend! 

xox

So true...

I'm in the midst of a packing frenzy... I still have quite a bit left to do before I leave so I thought I would leave you with this today! 

When I read this quote the first time I stopped. I read it again and thought, and now I can't stop reading it over. It is one of the most pure statements that I think I've ever read. Even though I'm only in college, I could have told you the people that were there for me as early as high school. I knew who was fake and who was genuine at a young age. I think there is power in knowing this because you quickly learn which relationships in life that your time and energy is best spent. It is important to kindle the relationships with people who would always be there for you rather than the ones with individuals who don't respect you the same as you do them. I'm excited to go abroad and form amazing new friendships and to meet a new group of genuine individuals too! 

Have a great day! xox

Gallery Galore

I've always been a huge fan of gallery walls. They allow you to collect an amazing array of art pieces and fit them all together. At school I had a small gallery wall above my bed with white frames and all different colored pieces and at home I have one with different frames and art pieces. When I go abroad I plan on bringing a mix of art and photos to decorate with a gallery wall as well. 

Some designers keep the frames the same and everything else different and some choose to mix it up by having each piece completely unique. I love the eclectic mix in the room above. Not only does the room speak for itself but the art has a worldly and colorful vibe as well. The wall below is fabulous... the colors of the butterflies speak for themselves and adding the zebra and antler pieces is amazing. 

This wall looks fabulous... I like how it encompasses the whole wall! 

Such a perfect vignette... I like the mix of art and frames as well! 

Have a wonderful day! xoxo

Travel... Carry On Essentials

I always wait until the last minute to throw together my carry on bag. Usually my Longchamp is filled with everything I need already so its easy but this trip I've decided to take a backpack. Filling four months worth of stuff into two suitcases means that I needed the biggest "purse" I could bring. So... In addition to my computer, these are my carry on essentials that will go in my backpack this trip! 

{1} iPhone and case is a must! 

{2} Passport... to Denmark we go

{3} Water bottle...essential to keep hydrated especially during long flights

{4} Sunglasses

{5} Eye mask... zzz

{6} iPad and Tory Burch case... in flight reading and entertainment

{7} Notebook and something to write with

{8} Magazines galore

{9} Gum and iPhone charger

{10} Cosmetic cases for the little things

What are some of your carry on essentials? 

Spot On!

It's rare that I post two times in a day but I just hopped on over to The College Prepster's blog... one of my morning must reads. She had a post on horoscopes and how the Elle horoscopes are spot on. My birthday is on the cusp between Libra and Scorpio so I sometimes read both but Elle had it spot on. It was as though the monthly horoscope predicted my weekend... that I would feel like a marionette being pulled in every direction. I guess it was to be expected! 

Do you read your horoscope daily? 

Monday's Motivation

Happy Monday everyone! I feel like a broken record but I really can't believe how little time I have left before I leave for abroad... I have a packed week seeing family and friends and getting everything checked off on my list. Initially I thought that my week would be low key and relaxed, but boy was I wrong. Sunday came along and it seemed like everyone wanted to meet up for a farewell dinner or lunch... and even though I need to pack and get work related things checked off my list I knew that I just couldn't say no. So... I said yes, to brunches and lunches and afternoon adventures and I will have to figure out time to get everything else done. I'm not the type of person to leave a long checklist of unfinished items no matter how busy I am... so that is where the figuring it out afterwards comes in!  

I find that Type A personalities tend to say yes to everything... and can't say no frankly. I had this conversation with a friend this summer that saying yes is not a bad thing because you are able to take advantage of so many more opportunities, meet new people and see more than if you just say no. For me saying the two letter word "no" is ten times harder than saying "yes." No matter how hectic things get for me I tend to say yes, even when saying yes is not convenient for me... I manage to make it work and just figure out my own schedule afterwards. How about you? Do you say yes always? 

I hope everyone has a wonderful week! xox

Weekend Wishes

Happy Friday everyone! It's amazing to think that during the school year Fridays are coveted and wished for and during the summer, Fridays mean its getting closer to school time again. I have one week left before I leave for abroad and I have to say I am getting really excited! I still have a lot more to do before I leave but I'm looking forward to taking some time this weekend to spend with family and friends too. Do you have any fun weekend plans? 

I came across some links that I thought I would pass along...

Have you ever thought about how exercise can influence learning and memory? I just read this article in The New York Times about how doing gentle exercise while reviewing material could ultimately help with memory especially if an exam is a day after. This is a must read for college students... It could really help with multitasking gym time and studying. 

I have become obsessed with the concept of cronuts, I mean I even considered going to New York City and standing in a long early morning line to get one... but instead I found this recipe with a home made version and they look just as yummy! 

When I was going through more of The Simply Luxurious Life's blog and pinterest I came across this post on excellence vs mediocrity and thought it was worth a read. 

Have a wonderful weekend! 

A Must Read

Good morning everyone! 

When I created my blog I wanted it to fulfill my readers and provide me with constant inspiration. And with every post I try and make A Girl In The Know more unique and special...  I know that it will always be in progression as I want my blog content to be more and more fulfilling every day and there is nothing wrong with that! I've always kept a morning blog lists and like my blog, this list is always changing, I edit out what I don't like and keep the ones that I love! 

My mom and I were sitting at the breakfast table this morning and she came across a blog we hadn't hear of before and the two of us sat reading through posts and Pinterest boards for a while... it was like we found a hidden gem! 

Have you ever hear of The Simply Luxurious Life it is written by Shannon, a school teacher in Oregon who shares motivational experiences, life lessons and advice? I don't think I have come across a blog like this in a while... it is both fulfilling and inspirational and I think it is a great way to start the day with a new piece of advice or message to live by! So I hope you enjoy... I thought it was too good not to pass along. 

Have a wonderful day! 

Hat Obsession

Lately I have become hat obsessed...  I can't think of a more perfect accessory to have for breezy days outside or even just for casual weekend errands. I have a Life is Good hat from many years ago, this one is pretty adorable and then I just acquired a hat from my school which I have been wearing non stop. I also love the hats that Tuckernuck sells especially the Harding Lane ones like this, this and this. The Southern Proper frat hat is also another one that I like. And if you really wanted to go all out Marley Lilly has the perfect selection of monogramed hats that are beyond adorable! 

I put together a casual weekend ensemble that I thought would be perfect for running errands or grabbing a quick coffee... and one that I have been wearing a lot of myself! Of course the Vineyard Vines hat is another perfect option and actually looks a lot like the one I got from school! 

Plain White T-shirt, AG Jeans, Longchamp Le Pliage Tote, Jack Rogers, Ray Ban sunglasses, Kiel James Patrick Nautical Bracelet, Rope Knot Earrings

Do you wear hats often? What are some of your go to styles?

Have a great day! xox

Healthy Breakfast

I've always been a breakfast person. When I was little I would actually have two breakfasts... thats how much I love breakfast food! I really do believe that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and provides you with the energy to get going. I never skip breakfast, my freshman year of college I was one of the first in line every day when the dining hall opened and would have fresh eggs and toast with fruit in the morning. Last year, I made oatmeal with fresh fruit or had rice cakes and peanut butter with fruit in the morning instead of going to the dining hall. It has been nice this summer to have a kitchen, so I've been mixing veggies like broccoli, peppers and spinach with two eggs and sometimes some turkey too. I also start every morning off with a bowl of fruit that my mom and I share, I put banana, blueberries, peaches and strawberries which is so refreshing. What are some of your favorite breakfast options that start your day off right?! 

Yum!! 

xox

Ponderings

Happy Monday! It's hard to believe that August is flying by and in less than two weeks I will be embarking on an amazing four month journey in Denmark! I can't wait for the amazing experience that is ahead but in the meantime I am trying to remain present here and enjoying as much time as I can with family and friends before I leave. Part of savoring the end of the summer involves enjoying as much time in the warm weather... the weather in Denmark just a tad bit colder than New England so unfortunately skirts, shorts and dresses are not going to be on the priority list (winter boots and coats are going to fill up that suitcase faster than I can think!) I couldn't think of a more perfect picture than the one above... such color and style and the little bike and flowers are beyond adorable! Savoring every bit of it... 

I don't know about you but I really enjoy starting the week with a saying or quote and my collection grows throughout the course of the week as well. I came across this saying and couldn't think of a better mindset to be this week. What a good way to finish each day with satisfaction knowing that you did the best you could and are starting the newest day with a clean slate. So the goal of this week is to live each day to the fullest and moving on to each following day with newfound motivation! 

xox

Weekend Wishes

Sorry for the lack of posts this week... I seem to be running around more and more now that I leave in a little over two weeks. I have shopping to get done, people to see and of course school work to do! I found a couple of links that I thought would be worth sharing for your weekend. Also, I'm in the process of creating another blog to document my travels abroad so I have a separate space for just that and will post here periodically as well. 

Recently I've been reading Grace a memoir written by Grace Coddington, the creative director of Vogue... the book is wonderful and has fabulous illustrations throughout that I adore as well. It's a perfect end of the summer read if anyone is looking for a good book.

Luella & June, one of my go to blogs posted an article on her weekend links that I thought was too good not to pass on! It's called 20 Things 20-Year-Olds Don't Get and shares some amazing tips about working most of which can be applied to school time as well. 

Do any of you know of the online magazine Adore? Their newest issue just came out and has some amazing photographs... there are so many bright colors, fun prints and amazing articles. A definite must read.