Live Life to the Fullest

Some words of wisdom for today. 

One of the biggest lessons that I have learned in my time at college is to lighten up and be a little more open minded and spontaneous. While I like to be in control of everything and go by the book I've realized that life is all about the twists and turns and that is where you learn the most about others and yourself. Over my two study abroad experiences I was really able to learn how to lighten up and be open for just about anything. When you go abroad you really have no clue what you are going to be doing, seeing or what experiences and people you will encounter. 

One of the biggest and most amazing parts of my experience in Copenhagen was meeting my friends Margaret and Maddy, and even though we all lived in singles we called ourselves the roomies because we were always together. I went with Margaret to Maddy's apartment in New York yesterday and they both came back to my house to stay and catch up for the night. When the three of us our together I am completely myself and the three of us laugh and joke and we really live life to the fullest and take risks and just experience what comes our way. I truly believe that they are going to be lifelong friends because we are ourselves around each other (the good, hilarious, awkward and not so funny times). Sometimes in order for someone to realize who they are they have to find their people and study abroad is certainly an opportunity to do that! 

Have a great Monday! xox

Weekend Wishes

Striped Shirt... YSL Bag... AG Glitter Denim... Wool and Leather Jacket... Shoes

Happy Friday everyone! 

I don't know about you but these holiday weeks have me all confused, Friday feels like Tuesday and weekends come so quickly its hard to believe. I hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas and are looking forward to the new year! Anyone have any New Year's Resolutions to start on? 

Some links and reads that I thought worth sharing for the week...

Just started reading Sophie Kinsella's new book called Wedding Night, its a quick read that is fun and flirty just like her other books. I also went to he library yesterday and stocked up on some other reads to keep me occupied for the remainder of the break! 

Over the course of the break I am going to try and watch at least one TED or TEDMED talk per day. So far I have succeeded at my goal and recently watched this one by Jamie Oliver that is too powerful not to share. It is a must watch regarding the eating habits of Americans today. 

Have a wonderful weekend! xox

Thoughtful

I found this quote a few days ago but it is something that I live by. I grew up with my mom telling me to always be a leader and never a follower and I've taken her advice to heart. Being original and being yourself should never be a bad thing and everyone should be proud to be original in their own way. When I was abroad this semester I was able to really tell the difference between those that paved their own way and made their own plans and those that followed along and tried to fit in with a group. There was even one experience where I was at an event with someone from my program and we were given these t-shirts and the rest of the group was wearing them around and she said "they are putting their shirts on we should to" and I immediately thought about what my mom had said and said "be a leader and never a follower." It was at that moment that I realized that the friends that I want to make and keep are those that choose to pave their own way and lead themselves and do what works for them instead of following and trying to fit in with everyone else. Of course there are times when it is important to work with the group and be part of a team but there are never any good reasons why you should change who you are to become like someone else... be original and be proud of it! 

Have a wonderful day! xox

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!!

 I hope that you all have a wonderful holiday filled with joy, happiness and laughter surrounded by family and friends. Today we will be celebrating with my close family and be undoubtedly eating the day away. 

Have a wonderful Christmas! xox

Travel Essentials {To The Beach...}

Longchamp Travel Bag... Tory Burch Cosmetic Case... Ray-Ban Sunglasses... Beauty Essentials {Moroccan Oil, Chanel Nail Polish, Bad Lash Mascara, Nars Lipgloss, Bain de Soleil Lotion}... Ted Baker iPad Case... Madewell Chambray Shirt... Jack Rogers Sandals... White T-shirt... J.Crew Bathing Suit... Tory Burch Caftan... J.Crew Denim Shorts... Milly Scalloped Skirt... J Brand White Jeans 

Any of you planning on getting away from the cold for a beach vacation over the break? My family went back and forth about going away and ultimately decided on staying home for the holidays... but if we did go away I would have been able to pack my bag in a matter of minutes. After being abroad and traveling so much I've figured out a way of packing one bag with the essentials and my beach vacation Longchamp would be filled with bathing suits, one pair of sandals {always Jack Rogers} and some simple day and night outfits that can be mixed and matched. Of course I would bring a few books along but on my iPad to keep it to a one bag maximum. I've found beach vacations are so much easier when you edit out your suitcase to the basics since most of the time is spent in a bathing suit soaking up the sun on the beach! 

Have a great day! xox

Holiday Break Reads

One of my favorite things to do over the holidays is to sit by the fire with a good book. When I am at school I usually only have time to read for my classes {usually neuroscience textbooks} and this past semester when I was abroad I would take flight time to read or nap. So when I am home for the break I have much more time to sit down with a good book. I always try and visit the library, refill my iPad book section and buy some good old paperbacks from Barnes and Noble. I thought I'd put together a short list of some of the texts that are on my holiday break reading list. Nonfictions are some of my favorites... as I love to read about medicine and hear wise words from professionals in all fields. On the plan ride home from Copenhagen last week I read All You Need to Be Impossibly French, cover to cover... such a quick and easy read that I really enjoyed! When I need a break from such heavy reading I will certainly go through the list of fiction books that I found as well. 

Have you read any good books lately? 

Nonfiction 

Grain Brain by Dr. David Perlmutter 

A Reader's Book of Days by Tom Nissley

Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach

Fiction 

Counting by 7s by Holly Golderg Sloan

Stella Bain by Anita Shreve

The Yonahlossee Riding Camp For Girls by Anton Disclafani

Happy Reading! xox

Weekend Wear

Flannel Shirt... Cashmere Sweater... Tom Ford Sunglasses... Distressed Denim... Superga Sneakers... Essie Nail Polish... Navy Dog Leash

I decided to put together a simple weekend wear outfit inspired by none other than Olivia Palermo. I love her style, she has an ability to dress perfectly for any occasion whether that be dog walking or runway events and what a better weekend outfit than a warm flannel and cashmere with some distressed denim. 

I also thought I would put together some links since I've been MIA for a few weeks now. 

My four months abroad in Copenhagen came to a bittersweet end last Sunday and although I am happy to be back in the states seeing family and friends, I will miss Copenhagen dearly. I put together a final blog post and you can see recaps from my four months abroad here! 

Now that I am home, it is back to reality for me. I am a pre-med student after all so I never thought studying abroad would be in the cards. Since I did spend so long away from school it is officially time to get back to pre-med work... I have been doing med school research and MCAT inquiry I've even started watching more TED MED talks... this one is hilarious and completely honest about the world of medicine. 

Now that Christmas is right around the corner I decided to compile some of my favorite blogger's holiday lists. For those of you that still have some last minute shopping to do check out... Luella & June's Gift Guide for the Foodie... The College Prepster's Book Gift Guide... A Dash of Details Stocking Stuffers Guide

Have a wonderful weekend! xox 

Not Enough Time

Its hard to believe but I only have two weeks left in Copenhagen. My experience studying abroad has been amazing and while I can't wait to go home to my family I will miss my new home here so much. I have so many mixed emotions about leaving and all I want to do is take as much time as possible to savor every last moment here. It just seems as though there are never enough hours in a day... 

Have a great day! xox