Travel Necessities & Tips

So my mother is just the sweetest lady in the whole world. I already knew this but it's always nice to be reminded when she does little things like this. I have traveled quite a bit but it's been awhile and my parents travel all the time. Like All. The. Time. So she was very kind and thoughtful to put together a little bag for us of things that we would need for our trip.

I've also been trying to collect tips from people who have been to Paris or Amsterdam before. You know, favorite spots to eat, dos and don'ts of Parisian society, and those touristy traps to avoid. I have one Instagram friend who sent me a myriad of wisdom about Paris and her numerous trips there. It is going to be super helpful to us.

Along with planning for our trip, I also try to stay inspired by reading, watching films, and listening to music....all French or Dutch inspired. The book below has been a fun little read but all the while I've just reminded myself it is a secular read so there are parts that are not the greatest morally. Take the fun, helpful tips and throw out the rest.

Shopping for a Parisian Holiday

When I found out we were going to Paris in the spring one of the first things I thought of was shopping! I need new clothes! I have to look Parisian! :) (Any excuse to shop, right?). Well my husband knows me well because when he gifted me with a vintage map of Paris for Christmas he also included a special note with a French phrase scribbled on it. I discovered the note said that I had an allotted amount of money to spend on a shopping spree for Paris. I was so so ecstatic and began my search for a few little outfits to wear while roaming the streets of Montmarte, Champs-Elysees, and along the Seine. I collected an inspiration board of different looks I loved and kept an eye out for similar styles when browsing online. I thought I would share some of my Parisian style inspiration with you because what girl doesn't love pretty, feminine, adorable things?

Lessons from Corrie // Praying for your enemies

Together we said it aloud:"War." 

It was five hours after the Prime Minister's speech. How long we clung together, listening, I do not know. The bombing seemed mostly to be coming from the direction of the airport. At last we tiptoed uncertainly out of Tante Jans's front room. The glowing sky lit the room with a strange brilliance. The chairs, the mahogany bookcase, the old upright piano, all pulsed with an eerie light. 

Betsie and I knelt down by the piano bench. For what seemed hours we prayed for our country, for the dead and injured tonight, for the Queen. And then, incredibly, Betsie began to pray for the Germans, up there in the planes, caught in the fist of the giant evil loose in Germany. I looked at my sister kneeling beside me in the light of burning Holland. "Oh Lord," I whispered, "listen to Betsie, not me, because I cannot pray for those men at all." 

Welcome to the family, Baby Graham!

Today I had an in-home photo session of my new nephew, Graham. He is ten days old today and growing like a little weed! It was so much fun (although a bit challenging) capturing all the love for this little guy! Graham's big sister, Phoebe, loves to give him passionate hugs and kisses and sings to him,"It's ok, Gwam" when he begins to cry. 

Welcome to the family, Graham! Oh how we love you so! 

Lessons from Corrie // Just in Time

I recently picked up my old copy of The Hiding Place and am re-reading it before our trip to The Netherlands in May. One of the places that we are wanting to visit while in Amsterdam is the ten Boom house in Haarlem. I wanted to refresh myself on the story and introduce Josh (who had never heard of Corrie ten Boom until recently) to the movie.

Being that  it has been several years since I have read the book or seen the movie, the story drew me in right away and it's been difficult to put it down. I love Corrie's descriptions of her family, home, the crazy aunts (how in the world did they ever agree to let them live there??), and especially the dear love she had for her father. It's quite apparent that her father, Casper, taught Corrie many valuable life lessons by simple, everyday illustrations.

Ten

Ten things that I am loving right now...

1. The plant selection at Home Depot . Anyone who has been to my home knows that I adore indoor plants. I scored the little guy above at Home Depot not too long ago and a beautiful succulent arrangement that was in my previous post. This time of year is a great time to buy some indoor plants because they are very decently priced considering the season and you can often find them on sale!

Live Life Beautifully

"God writes the gospel not in the Bible alone, but also on trees, and in 

the flowers and clouds and stars." ~ Martin Luther