England: part one

I've been back in The States for over a week, and now that I'm sufficiently un-jetlagged, I'd like to share my favorite parts of the trip with you :)

^ready for adventure (can you tell I'm nervous?)

^Waiting to leave for Windsor!

We were gone for 12 days, which at the time seemed like forever. Now it feels a bit like a dream, and I can't believe it flew by so quick!

^Waiting in the Windsor airport, my passport and boarding passes, and the view from my seat

First stop was Windsor, Canada. We left Windsor for Toronto, then Toronto to London. Basically, it was a long day of travel!

Our first day was the worst, with the time change (we lost six hours!) and being in a new environment. Once we adjusted to the time zone, falling asleep at night was a piece of cake, but it was still hard to wake up at 7 am everyday!

^Our first night-dinner at Brown's in Oxford

Our "home away from home" in England was the adorable town of Oxford. I loved how it was quaint, but still busy because of all the Universities. The buildings were beautiful and the people were friendly. We saw many of the colleges, shops, and cafes in Oxford. We were very busy, and though it was tiring, I enjoyed walking everywhere.

One of my favorite parts of the trip was the walks from dinner back to the bed & breakfast each night.  The air was cool, the streets were quiet, and some of the funniest stories from the trip came from those strolls. It's the simple things that mean the most :) During that first week we went to Blenheim Palace, Stratford Upon-Avon, and Glastonbury Abbey, among other places. We also got to meet with Walter Hooper, assistant to the late (and great) C.S. Lewis. Lewis is one of my favorite authors, hands down, so it was an honor to meet the one who walked and talked with him in his last months of life. I will admit to tearing up while Mr. Hooper was talking to us ;)

 ^The whole group after our meeting with Walter Hooper

^The group in front of Shakespeare's birthplace in Stratford Upon-Avon

^ The ruins of Glastonbury Abbey

We had one whole week in Oxford, but it didn't feel like enough--I could have stayed there forever! But alas, it was time to move on to the Lake District, and then to London. But that's for next time ;)

^Afternoon tea at Browns, our last night in Oxford

Stay tuned!
xoxo,
Kate

packing for england

It's crazy to think that in 32 hours, I'll be on a plane halfway to another country. I feel unbelievably excited and especially blessed to be taking this trip at such a young age (with such wonderful friends!) but at the same time, I am silently *freaking* out. I've never been this far away from home, for this long, with no family. Summer of adventures, I guess? :)

Getting ready for this trip has been one of those "slowly, then all at once" things. I went from graduating high school and finishing my senior play to all of a sudden leaving the country and needing two weeks worth of T-shirts. Here are some of the things I'll be taking with me:

{Carry On}

It took me forever to find a carry-on bag that is cute, but still practical, and good quality without being super expensive. This weekender bag did the trick for me--plus, it matches the wallet I already own. I've been loving the more round shaped sunglasses recently, so I knew I had to get some for this trip. I can't wait to bunker down on the plane with a good, cheesy novel and some pringles.

|| Weekender Bag, Target \\ Sunglasses, Target // Wallet, Local Boutique \\ Change Purse, Target ||

{Train Case}

I read in an article online not to bring any big, fancy looking jewelry with you to Europe, because it will only make you a target to pickpockets. Since I am utterly terrified of being mugged, I decided not to bring the red necklace, even though it is totally fabulous :)  For my makeup, I want to keep it simple and effortless, and I'm a total sucker for anything in the rose gold/peach/blush pink family. 

|| Train Case, Orla Kiely // Eyeshadow, Sonia Kashuk \\ Brushes, e.l.f. // Necklace, Target \\ Earrings, Forever 21 // Bracelet, Thrifted \\ Ring, Family Heirloom // Barette, Thrifted ||

{Suitcase}

Clothing wise, I had lots of fun with this trip, but being a perfectionist, I also had lots of trouble. I wanted cute, comfortable, and warm, without spending a lot of money or looking frumpy. I also won't be doing laundry on the trip, so I needed enough clothes to get me through two weeks. I decided on layering with lots of tees, cardigans, and jackets. Scarves are a great way to accessorize and keep warm as well :)

 ||Scarf, Target // Dress, Old Navy \\ Lace Top, // Marshalls Button Up, \\
Target // Tee, Target \\ Jeans, American Eagle // Shoes, Kohls \\ Jacket, Thrifted ||

I've learned a lot about myself while preparing for this trip. For one, I've never made plans this long-term before; It's been over a year since I found out about this opportunity! I also learned that I am capable of saving more than fifty dollars in one go. Haha.

I'm excited to try new foods-while there, I'm going to try escargots (snails) and creme brulee! But I'm most excited for the day we get to go to Stratford Upon-Avon; Shakespeare's birthplace. We even get to see Merchant of Venice at The Globe! Merchant holds a very special place in my heart, because my first (and only) leading role was Portia. It's even more special that most of the cast from Merchant is going on the trip with me.

I can't wait to take pictures and share updates! Bon Voyage!

xoxo, 

Kate

graduation

I hit a big milestone yesterday...

I graduated high school!

I've spent the last six years at St. Augustines. I've grown so much spiritually, mentally, and scholastically. I've done everything with my class...laughed, cried....we've been through four shakespeare plays and twelve concerts...and i willingly admit that I will miss them more than I care to think about right now (too much crying would be involved!) Graduation was everything I hoped for and more.

^My brother and I recreating the infamous Mulan pose

^some of my beautiful classmates-notice dad's thumb in the corner

^ My dear friend Annie and I-we frequently fangirl about Hunger Games together

My Scripture teacher, Mr. C, gave the first of three commencement speeches. I don't think there was a dry eye in the house! I certainly sobbed at a few particularly touching moments...basically when he said that on his judgement day he will present us to the Lord as his joy. ("Unless you really screw up.") 

My History and Philosophy teacher, Dr. B, gave one of the most beautiful speeches about sacrifice I've ever heard. I feel incredibly grateful to have had such wise mentors during my time in high school!

^ but first lemme take a selfie

and now, for the piece de resistance...

Annie took this one :) Dan and I played brothers in my freshman play, Macbeth. He was good friends with MC, which is how I met her, and we've been kinda inseparable ever since! Then there's the ever beautiful Bethie, Dan's sis. She and I are gap year buddies <3

These past few days I've been really focused on a particular C.S. Lewis quote: There are far, far better things ahead then we leave behind." 

Can you believe I get to travel to the UK with these amazing people in a couple of days?! We even get to meet C.S. Lewis' secretary! Not that material goods equal God's blessing, but #blessed.

Here's to a beautiful Summer-and a beautiful life!

xoxo,

Kate

summer to-do

Senior year of high school is finally coming to a close (graduation is in less than a week!) and I'm actually pretty ok with it. I think it's because it hasn't really sunken into my head yet. Or it could be because I'm super excited for summer :) I thought I'd share my to-do list for this summer because hey, why not.

1. Eat Healthier
Because I had a crap diet during the school year--thank you stress eating! This summer I'm going to do my best to eat better. This includes more water, more greens, less sugar, and actually eating at the correct times. Heh heh.

2. Take a Walk
Because I live on a beautiful country road, and yet I never go on walks.....ever. time to get off my butt and tone those legs (not because I hate them, but because I love them and want them to be the very best they can be!)

3. Learn Guitar
Because it's something I've always wanted to learn.

4. Sewing
Because I know the basics of sewing, though I've never had the patience to sit and get it perfect--But there are just way too many adorable tutorials on Pintrest.

5. Daily Mass
Because I want to visit Him more than I normally do.

6. Grow my Business
Because I'm starting to get really serious about my photography business, so this summer is the perfect time to get organized.

7. Unplug
Because I'm willing to admit that I'm a wee bit too in love with my iPhone. So this summer I want to try spending a whole weekend without my phone (maybe even a week if I'm brave!) I love the idea of unplugging from the world and making memories that are special and not plastered all over social media.

8. Read
Because I have a laundry list of books I want to read, so I plan on spending lots of afternoons under a tree with a blanket and a book.

9. Explore
Because memories don't make themselves, and I want to enjoy my friends' company before we all go our separate ways. A picnic in the park, trip to the museum, beach day, or even just spontaneous photoshoots are great ways to spend time with friends before we all go off to college in September.

10. Cook
Because there are so many delicious recipes I want to try, and I love food.

What's on your Summer to-do list?