Last Class Day

Our final cram session for a deadline... Stu***ts in Europe group project! I'm going to miss these fun assignments!

So Sonar

I had a blast with Sasha and Abbie this past weekend in Barcelona. Sonar Music Fest was amazing. Can I please go back??!

Castle of the Kings

Yesterday we went to El Escorial to visit the castle where all of the Spanish kings lived -- and are buried. We took about an hour bus ride to get there (I got way too car sick and ended up throwing up), but witnessed the most amazing architecture and views. The castle included original paintings, actual bedrooms, old keys, and even the tombs of the kings, queens & their children. It was very surreal being in a circular room with dozens of dead royal beings. 

Before we departed for the second part of our day trip, we all had lunch in the small village restaurant that was over 200 years old. As Professor Karl put it, "Dudes with wigs used to eat here." We all chowed down on our three course meal and drank heaps of red wine, while a man played his accordion in our private room... it was magical. 

The last journey of the day meant us climbing up the mountains next to the castle. It was quite the hike, but the view at the mountain tops were unreal. We even got to sit where the king used to sit as he watched his castle being built! The only difference was that he was carried up the hill...

One of the most amazing views/days yet. I love Madrid!

Sushi in España!

Tonight, we had a yummy sushi family dinner for Abdul's birthday. Ordering sushi in Spain is ten times more difficult than the US!

Shout out to all my lovely coworkers at Sansu back home :)

Bull Fight Friday

Tickets bought, cameras ready, and hearts pounding, we made our way to the Bull Ring for the 7 pm showing. The atmosphere mirrored that of an American baseball game, while we knew that this ancient sport was far from your "take me out to the ball game" experience...

Today was my first and last bull fight I will see. No màs, por favor.

Lost?

Today's adventures consisted of getting lost two separate times: once by myself and once with Hannah and Kaelin. I guess I never realized how directionally challenged I was until I was thrown into foreign city!

Frantically searching for the nearest public swimming pool, the girls and I stumbled upon a Spanish zoo outside of the city... Despite the desire for a cold dip in the pool, I couldn't be mad because we ended up finding the yummiest gelato shop!

The best part of today was the fact that I felt very at ease. I had no where to go, no one to see, no other obligations --- I wasn't in a hurry. 

I was able to wander and learn more about the city better than ever. 

Goodbye, Hello

Adios Barcelona, hola Madrid! 

As we prepare for a next journey en Espana, a peek into the past few weeks has allowed me to truly appreciate this experience. The positive benefits I have gained thus far are beyond what I ever imagined them to be... I am such a lucky & blessed girl to see, live, & experience what I have. And I'm not even half way done! Muchos gracias to those who have helped me get where I am right now. I love you all!

Viva Espana

Montserrat

Today we were fortunate enough to visit Montserrat, a Spanish monastery up in the mountains of Catalonia. The area was absolutely beautiful & the architecture and art inside the monastery was stunning. We even got to experience part of mass & hear a young boys choir inside! The sorbet limona gelato was super yummy as well :) 

View from the bottom

View while riding the ski lift-like machine

Another beautiful view

Left my mark on the top of the mountain ;)

Inside the monastery

Beautiful architecture & art

Steph & I on the rocks

1170-1970: for all priests from the region

Dream Job

Inside the BROSMIND creative advertising studio. Owned by 2 Spanish graphic designers who happen to be brothers.

la boqueria de barcelona

Our first day of class & first trip to la boqueria on les ramblas! 

Such a wide array of colors & smells. I love it here. So beautiful & busy. 

barca

Being in a place where absolutely no one knows your name & few speak your language can really be terrifying. The cab ride from Katie's hotel to my apartment made me extremely anxious; I'm still not quite sure whether it was the cappuccino italiano that did the trick, or the mere fact that I was on my own with a driver who only knew Spanish that made me queasy....

.....we also weren't allowed to check into our room until 5 pm, so getting here at 2 definitely didn't help....

Even though a sense of panic swept over me, I forced myself to take a walk & just enjoy the city. So now -- as I write -- I am sitting on the cutest park bench with doves skipping at my feet & roses caressing my "smell" buds (can that be similar to the taste buds???), and I am content!

Things I have noticed thus far: small Spanish-speaking children fascinate me, people still ride razor scooters, and the men wear too much cologne. Oh, and it's absolutely beautiful here!

Here at last!

When we initially got off the plane and attempted to flag down a taxi, our huge grins & MSU T-shirts gave us away instantly. Bob Marley & luscious palm trees greeted us, masking our "study trip" as an elaborate vacation....

el viaje comienza

A two month trip away from home begins with thorough packing:

words

patient

fine

balanced

kind

Compete

With the help of my lovely and talented friends who bear the most thoughtful gifts, the inspiration of my mom’s brilliant taste in design, as well as the random trinkets and knick knacks I had laying around at home, I’ve somehow managed to turn one of the smallest dorm rooms on campus into my home. This 10x13 room (no joke) may only comfortably hold 3 people at a time, but it’s whimsical, snug, and bright!

Mitten State

I think we often times take some of the most simple and happy pleasures in life for granted. I know that most Michiganders don't appreciate the mitten state as often as they should. My most recent obsession with the Pure Michigan advertising campaign has deepened my love for Michigan, & is one of the most successful tourist campaigns in the country! Everyone should experience a "handful of cherries" in Pure Mich.

(Image via Etsy)

Full of Love

Spread lots of love to those around you, but don't forget to make today about you too :) Go on a walk, call your mom, hand out treats to friends....and treat yourself. Enjoy your day full of love!

(Image via A Hero Comes Along)

It's Happening!

Today, I was officially accepted into the Visual Communication and Infographics program in Spain this summer. I will be spending 2 weeks in Barcelona and 3 weeks in Madrid, for a total of 5 weeks in the lovely Espana. Although it seems surreal now, I am excited to start planning this epic trip. I'll be posting more in the near future.

Workspace

I'd love to have a space like this to create. What a beautiful arrangement too!

(via Batixa)

Vintage Maps

5 pack of envelopes made from vintage maps. Such a cute idea! This & other letterpressed goodies from Bespoke Press. 

2012

New year, fresh start. 365 days to create something new and memorable. And an inspiring quote about the new year from my friend Lindsey: 

waiting for the pen to dry up so she can start fresh with thoughts that are worth new ink.