blog

i wish i could go!


I got this in my email yesterday (thanks Anthropologie!) and almost jumped for joy! I wish it fell on a different night so I could attend. I'm dying to read this book (my friend just got it as a wedding gift at her bridal shower this past weekend) and would love to hear what the founding editor of Domino has to say. If you're in New York on Wednesday night, will you please go in my place?

25 days of christmas in the city

It's another daily photo project! Since coming back from Africa and being immediately thrown into the New York City Christmas scene, I have been overwhelmed and overjoyed by the most wonderful time of the year. It is beautiful everywhere: Christmas trees, wreaths, lights...and I've decided to capture that beauty and share it. For the next 25 days in December, I'll post my favorite Christmas scene from the city.

Today's photo will be coming later tonight, check back!

dinner from a foodtruck

I usually try to stay away from the food trucks for my meals, but tonight I passed a new and enticing truck that I literally couldn't pass by. I tried, but then the smell and menu pulled me back. It was called The Frying Dutchmen and it was only their 2nd time in my neighborhood, and they had a steady crowd so I took that as a good sign. Especially at 5:45 pm. I must have been craving Chick Fil A because I got the chicken sandwich. And the Belgian fries were even better than I expected. Overall, the meal was great. I'm glad I made an exception and will be on the lookout for these folks in the neighborhood again!
























And as they say, "get rich or die frying."

weekend 2 update

I decided that no matter how behind I am, I am determined the post pictures from the last several weekends. Not only does it allow me to look at the pictures again, it also makes me feel like the weekends weren't actually that long ago.

My little Rose petals came to visit the first weekend of October! We counted, and in the three and a half years I've lived here, Rose has been to visit four times! And I still think that's four times too little. We had such a fun and relaxing weekend...and we didn't even leave my neighborhood. We spent a lot of time in Central Park and walking, thanks to the gorgeous, perfect weather. I think RL's feet were happy to be back in Alabama, though.

Alice's Tea Cup for my favorite brunch spot.



Saturday night picnic in the park: perfect! Chirping Chicken entree + Levain dessert.


Sunday Central Park relaxation.



Sunday night dinner at Carmine's. I can't think of anything better!


[you can check out RL's recap of the weekend right here. Of course, she posted hers in a timely manner so you may have already seen it!]

Thanks again Rose for coming to visit!! I'm excitedly waiting for the next time!

it's fall y'all






















With temperatures yesterday in the high 50's and just barely 60's today, I think it's safe to say that fall has arrived! Usually I don't greet this season with much joy (I'm too busy mourning the loss of summer) but this year I am quite thrilled. I'm excited about the crisp, cooler weather and all of the fun activities that come along with the season!

[beautiful plaid image found here.]

meet the team


























I mentioned something a couple weeks ago about a fundraiser I was helping to host. What I failed to mention was the reason we are going to Cape Town, and the fact that we are getting ready to leave in a mere 6 weeks! My friend Bethany, and mission teammate, posted a great description of our upcoming trip on her blog (along with these pictures I swiped). Through Redeemer, we are going to serve alongside Point Community Church in Cape Town and love their community in many different ways. Our schedule and itinerary aren't completely solidified yet, but I'm anxious and excited to see where this trip will lead us. For now, it's been a wonderfully fun time getting to know these 17 people with whom I'm about to embark on such a terrific adventure!

city to city

Last night I went to a Redeemer City to City event. I hadn't heard much about what the event was for when I received the invitation, but decided I would stop by since it was on my way home from work and since I'm going on a mission trip soon. Brendan and I went and we were both blown away and so moved by all that Redeemer has done through its original vision: create a gospel movement in the city and the movement will follow in other parts of the world and the country. They had "church planters" (aka, pastors) there from all over the world (Dubai, Singapore, Ireland,...to name only a few)  who have planted churches through Redeemer's support. It was truly moving to see how God is calling people to go to the far-reaches of the earth to spread the good news! Take a look at this quick video, you will be inspired and encouraged about what Redeemer and these churches are doing. (warning: you might cry, I did.)


Join the Movement from Redeemer City to City on Vimeo.

[ps- around minute 3:18, you will see Jacques who is the pastor at the church in Cape Town that we are going to serve with in November!]