Milano Unica

Friday we visited Milano Unica, which is an international textile fair that his held twice a year to display upcoming trends. This one, in particular, was for Spring/Summer 2016.

Snow Day

We had to the whole day off today, so what do you do in Milan on a snowy day off? Shop, duh. With the jet lag still lingering, we all decided to sleep in and take our time starting the day. Also, with the weather being so nasty, we were in no rush to get outside. Since the snow wasn't going to stop coming down, I had to rock my favorite Reds hat.. just because I'm in Europe now doesn't mean I've forgotten about my favorite teams.

Once we headed to the Duomo to do some shopping, we weren't too bitter about getting out in the snow after seeing this view..

We've been shopping around the Duomo a couple of times but haven't really gotten to look around and get the full effect of it all. It is every shoppers dream, let me tell you. MILES of stores. Every store you can think of, x2. It is absolutely fantastic. Not only are there multiple H&Ms there, but they all have at least 3 floors.. Meaning I'll be returning to the USA with not one penny to my name. 

 And H&M is the least of my worries when it comes to money because this is around the corner..

Some how we contained ourselves from even going inside of Prada, Versace and Louis today. I'm not sure how, but I hope I can keep up this self control. After being outside in the freezing weather for a couple hours, it was time for some Italian hot chocolate. I have been craving some good hot chocolate. This was fantastic, but not what I was expecting. Basically like eating warm chocolate pudding.. not complaining. And the chocolate cannoli was also fantastic.

Even though we came home drenched and half frozen, it was definitely a day well spent with great girls. 

Tuesday Dining

Today was our first day visiting the school we will be studying at (IED Moda). Along with that, all of us girls did a little exploring of our own. We started out the morning looking for somewhere to get a quick coffee and stumbled upon this cute cafe.. I'm loving the fabulous chandeliers that are everywhere.

After orientation at school, our onsite director, Andrea, treated us all to our first scoop of gelato. We clearly skipped lunch and went straight for dessert. This flavor that I tried was coffee..and it was to die for.

P.S. Andrea gave this gelato place a 6 out of 10... sooo, if it was that good, what does the 10 out of 10 taste like?!

Still hungry after our gelato, we all traveled to the Duomo area to search for some food. It was happy hour at most places, which doesn't mean half price drinks like it does in America. Happy hour here is where you pay regular price for any drink and get all-you-can-eat finger foods for free. So, of course I had to add some southern style to my Italian dinner and order sweet tea. ;)

After many selfies, group photos and endless window shopping around the Duomo, we decided to head home, but first, had to get a little late night snack... Mcdonad's Fries (or patate regulari)

 It's been a long/busy day. Time to go to bed (after I watch The Bachelor, of course) Goodnight, America.

xoxo

Home Sweet Home

WELL, after 36 hours of sad goodbyes, running through airports, waiting, running through more airports, more waiting, packing, unpacking, and MORE waiting, I am FINALLY in Milan! Although sitting overnight in a crowded plane and hauling luggage around in a foreign country wasn't the most glamorous thing in the world, I can definitely say that the wait was worth it. 

My wonderful family was waiting to see me off at the airport this morning before I left for four short months. I am so thankful that they, along with many others, have prayed with me and for me and have shown me nothing but love and support through this whole process. While I tried not to cry, I couldn't help but get a little emotional knowing I would miss them terribly. 

As I sat down to board my flight from JFK to Milan, I was pleased to find out that the girl sitting next to me was also on her way to Milan and was my roommate. After getting off of the flight, I was again pleased to see three other girls who were also my future roommates. Thank God he put us all on the same flight together, because He knew we wouldn't have found anything on our own. We sat and waited in the airport, train station, restaurants, etc. for a loooong time to make it to our apartment. But, even through the exhaustion, I couldn't help but be satisfied with the view that I had waiting for me in my bedroom.

Looking at this amazing view of the moon over the city, was worth every bit of struggle that faced us in these last 30 hours. I couldn't help but think of how God can not only make beautiful skies in Kentucky, but he can send that same beautiful sky to me thousands of miles away.

Our last haul of the day was a short trip on the metro to see the Duomo for the first time. And there are just not words to describe what seeing that for the first time was like.

Needless to say, I'm pretty pleased here in Italy.

Sisters

Today I had the pleasure of spending the whole day with my best friend. Shannon and I have grown up together and been inseparable since we were babies. Although our lives have taken us in different directions, we have not let distance tear us apart. This trip to Italy will be the longest that we have ever been apart and it'll be the hardest thing we've ever done. But, I am 100% confident that it will not falter our relationship at all. So, today she planned every detail and made it about us. We started at our favorite restaurant, shopped at our favorite spots and shared many laughs (as usual). She is not only my best friend, but my sister and I will miss her more than anything. Thank you for today, my Shanona. xoxo

First Day of Class

Today was the first day of classes for the Spring Semester at UK and it felt amazing not having to actually attend any classes. However, I did still study some today... just a little bit different material, ;)  I've been trying to read up on the best places to go and see as well as teach myself some basic Italian. Time is getting away from me and before I know it, I'll be boarding the plane. So, while I have some time off I am trying to "study, study, study". Getting more and more anxious every day.

New Year's Resolution - LIVE

Being a worrier, I am always stressing about how fast time goes by. During the Holidays, I always get sad when they are over and school has to start again. It just seems to come and go faster and faster every year. As I start to think about this semester abroad, I know that it will fly by and that I will be sad if I am constantly worried about how much time has gone by. Therefore, I have made my New Year's Resolution to NOT worry about how quickly time goes by and LIVE IN THE MOMENT. This song by OneRepublic became my favorite song a few months back after I overheard it one day at work and heard the line "I hope when the moment comes you'll say "I did it all"". I want that to be the theme song for my trip when I am abroad. That I did IT ALL and nothing held me back... not even time. I hope it encourages you too to do whatever it is that you want to do. :)