Sydney, Australia- Bondai Beach, views from Park Hyatt Hotel

First thing in the morning, we went to Bondai Beach. Not only was the beach beautiful, as you can see below, but the whole area was nice to walk around. We also tried some delicious tiger pie! 

That afternoon, it had been raining, so we didn't want to leave the hotel. We decided to go sit in the hotel's restaurant and have some tea and scones.

They were super yummy!

While we were relaxing, a double rainbow popped up! 

Views from our hotel

The opera house & the harbor 

A cruise ship came in! So interesting to watch! 

The opera house

The harbor

So gorgeous! 

Me looking out at the opera house. I could have stood there for hours! 

While we were there, the concierge found out that we were from Winston and that it was the home of the Krispy Kreme doughnut, so they brought us some! They were delicious, especially when I woke up at 3 am and needed a snack! 

This view isn't from our hotel, but was so pretty, I had to include it! 

Sydney is definitely a place to put on you bucket list, if it isn't already! We loved the views of the city, with the added relaxation of the beach. I bet it's even better in the summer!

Sydney, Australia- Royal Botanical Gardens, Opera House, & Harbor Bridge

First, the opera house. We ended up not going in, but the outside is just gorgeous! 

From the opera house, you can also see the Harbor Bridge 

Royal Botanical Gardens

Since we went in the winter, the garden wasn't blooming as much. It was such a quiet, beautiful place to spend an afternoon!

Love the yellow! 

Oh, the roses! 

I walked around the wishing tree. Can't remember what I wished for, though! 

Right after this, it began to rain, so we had to run into the city because we forgot to get an umbrella. But all-in-all, a gorgeous park to spend some time in!!

A post on Bondai Beach and our hotel coming next Saturday! 

Sydney, Australia- The Taronga Zoo

This summer we were able to visit Sydney, Australia! Since it's located in the opposite hemisphere as ours, it was the winter when we visited. The weather was pretty perfect, expect for a little rain in the afternoons! Our first stop was the Taronga Zoo. Our three favorite areas were the kangaroos, giraffes, and koalas. 

Top: Kohl's

Belt: Gap

Necklace: Francesca's 

Pants: H&M

Shoes: Jack Rogers

The kangaroo area was so amazing! The kangaroos were not in a cage, being a piece of glass, you were actually in the enclosure with them! They asked you not to ouch them, but the kangaroos were hopping around right in front of you! 

The giraffe area not only had beautiful giraffes, but also excellent views of Sydney!

Oh, and the koalas! We were able to interact with one. We found out that they sleep most of the day because of the eucalyptus plants they eat. This one's name is Darwin, named after the scientist.

We took the ferry there and back, since it was so close to our hotel. We really enjoyed the ride! If you ever go to Sydney, make sure you make a stop by the Taronga Zoo... and take the ferry there & back!!

Post on Royal Botanical Gardens & Opera House coming next Saturday!

Who I Am

Nothing changes who I am in Christ. I forget that quite often. I tend to define who I am based on the people around me. If people respond positively, then I am secure. If not, I am not okay. This has caused me to be in numerous bad relationships and friendships. Anyone else?! 

Lately, I've been reading about setting boundaries and having the right mindset when interacting with people. I cannot let other people determine who I am. That's Christ's job. He died for me, so that I could have a relationship with him and define myself by His love instead of the standards of this world. I mean, just that alone is enough. But everyday in one way or another, He reminds me of this love through His Word, music, nature, etc.

When I start to look to other people for affirmation, I need to remember that He loves me no matter what I do or who does/doesn't like me. If I go out and search for that affirmation from other people, I will be disappointed and those people will be stressed. It's too much for them. Only Jesus can give us the security we as humans need.

Thank you for letting me share this with you! When I scroll back and look at this, I pray that I can look back and see how God has changed me in this area.

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

your works are wonderful,

I know that full well." 

Psalm 139:14

Source for Psalm 139:14

Source for "You are loved..."

Paris- Touring the City

Cardigan, belt, pants: Target

Top & boots: Ralph Lauren

Necklace: Forever 21

Nail Polish: Sally Hensen Quick Dry (My fav!!)

Arc de Triomphe

Eiffel Tower:

The details just amaze me! 

The cozy streets and alleyways are fabulous! 

Seine River

 Views around our hotel:

The Louvre Area:

As you can see from this picture, it was really windy! 

Paris is a gorgeous city, even in the windy, cold weather!