A different kind of trash the dress

 A few weeks ago, we were flying back to South Africa after visiting my family in the US. We had a 10 hour layover in wonderful London and had long ago decided to spend our time exploring the city (versus sitting in Heathrow and drinking as much Starbucks as possible). 

But then one day while we were still in the US, my mom had this spectacular idea that while hubby and I were galavanting around the city, we should wear our wedding attire. Yes, my wedding dress and his suit. 

And that's what we did! 

Nuts! I know.

I still kind of can't believe we did it. When we first got on the tube (we changed into our wedding garb at the airport and then rode the tube into the city), I felt so insecure and spent a good 20 minutes telling myself this was a terrible idea. EVERYONE stared at us. It definitely was awkward for a little while. But slowly, people started asking us if we had just gotten married and wanting to take pictures for us and sharing in our excitement (or supposed excitement? Don't worry, we told people the truth that we hadn't really just gotten married). We even got a free lunch! 

But I also made a decision that I wasn't going to spoil the day because of my insecurities. I am so lucky to be married to a man who encourages me to have some gumption and "get out of my comfort zone" but doesn't push me if I really don't want to do something. And because he is so patient and kind with me, I couldn't let myself be the spoil-sport. So I just held his hand a little tighter and reminded myself that God gave us such a unique opportunity - one for the books, really. 

The whole experience was actually so fun! I'm so glad we did it! We have these fantastic pictures from it and I have now gotten to wear my wedding dress THREE times. I am so blessed. But really, I'm so glad I did it because it reminded me of some of the many reasons I married my husband. Besides just  being downright in love with him, he makes life so much more fun and adventurous. We have the best time together and can't stop talking. And when we can stop talking, the silence is just as wonderful. And the romance isn't just for special occasions, my husband makes life romantic!

These pictures remind me to love every moment of our life and to be bold, adventurous. I would be missing out on so much otherwise. 

Love, 

EF

PS - I put quite a few pictures here (although there's still more!). Hope you don't mind looking at lots. :)

What makes an American?

Today's post is for Americans and non-Americans. So, I guess it's for everyone and anyone. 

I have had a number of South Africans remark (enough for me to notice) that I am not "a typical American". The only thing that I honestly, consistently see as the reason this is said is because I'm not overweight. I'm never quite sure what to make of that.

As I've now been living in South Africa for two and half years and just traveled back to the US for three weeks, and am now back in SA again, I've wondered a lot about the two countries' cultural differences. When I'm in the States, I often get multiple variances of the following questions:

"What's the food like?"

"What's a typical South African meal?"

"Can you do a South African accent for me?"

"What's the culture like?" (that's not a broad question...can you hear the sarcasm?)

Likewise, living in SA, I get similar questions about the US fairly often. And sometimes for both countries, I actually struggle to answer these questions. I can tell you what a typical South African meal is like (for a number of the different cultures) but I can't do a South African accent. There isn't one accent. There are 11 official languages in South Africa, so everyone sounds a bit different from each other. 

And when I'm asked about the US, I find that my answers confuse even me. 

"What's the food like?"

         Large portions. (Ok, that's all over the US.)

"What food do you miss the most?"

         Mexican, Cuban...wait a second - that's the American food that I miss the most?

Yeah, I crave a good burger every now and then - like on the Fourth of July (I mean really, what's more American than a burger or hotdog?) And I love hot, chewy brownies with the best of them. 

But what really defines America? What really makes you American?

I was born on the west coast of Florida, grew up in Miami, went to college in Boston, and lived in New Orleans and Washington, D.C. over two different summers. From my experience:

Being American is being multicultural. Americans are accepting (I know you may think that's debatable, but overall, I really think we are), diverse, fun, and hard working (yes, I know there are exceptions to all of these). Americans eat a lot. Many Americans never learn another language. A lot of Americans don't know how to consistently relax (more than having a TV series marathon) and take holidays (vacations) for more than one week a year. Americans loving watching football, eating turkey, and going shopping at 4am in order to try and get really great deals. 

Please do not get me wrong: I know every American does not fit into these statements. But in terms of how the rest of the world sees us, these are a just a few qualities by which I think you can generalize Americans. 

So, I'd love to hear your thoughts. 

What defines America? What really makes you American?

Have you traveled to other countries? What do people in other countries say/think about the US?

Do Americans really have a global reputation for being overweight?

This is a friendly discussion. Please keep the comments light and appropriate. :)

Love,

EF

Did you know?

That you can now shop H&M online?! This is seriously life changing. 

Just thought you might want to "read" something a little brainless for a Monday. :)

Love,

EF

The discussion of modesty

It was absolutely GLORIOUS to be able to have a break from the cold Joburg winter and spend some time in summer while we were visiting my family in the US recently! I think we spent almost every second we could in the scorching sunshine (and we managed not to get burned!).

And while I was Stateside, I bought a new swimsuit at Target (miss that so much!); it's a "tankini" (do they even call them that any more?). But you know, a two piece, of which the top still covers your stomach area (it's the top I'm wearing in the picture above). I chose to buy this instead of a bikini because I already have a bikini and I wanted something more modest - something I would feel 100% fine wearing if anyone more than my family was around.

But honestly, until I watched this video below, I didn't realize how much more confident it made me feel. I loved wearing something that wasn't "revealing" but was still adorable (in my opinion of course - thank goodness the husband agrees). Please watch it. I think it's excellent and every girl needs to seriously consider what they wear - in the water and outside of it.


What do you think? Is modesty that important? Do you wear a bikini? Will you still wear a bikini?

I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Love from the Southern Hemisphere,

Ellie


Oh, and PS - I checked out Jessica's swimsuit company and LOVE it! It'd pick this one:

(Arguably) The Best Trip Ever

Hubby and I just spent three weeks visiting my family in the US of A, and it was honestly one of the best trips I've ever taken; not because we went somewhere exotic or did something new and exciting - we didn't, really. (Although Disney World is pretty exciting. And so is summer. And the Fourth of July.) But because we were so refreshed, encouraged, inspired, and filled with so much joy and hope. (When I write that out it sounds pretty cheezy, but that's really what the trip did for us.)

We hadn't seen my family since our wedding reception, so our time with them was overdue and needed. Our three weeks was a perfect balance of "at home/family time" and "doing things". We made smoothies at home, swam in the pool, went to the beach, went to Disney's Hollywood Studios, watched movies, reconnected with lots of friends, made new friends, played lots of Mexican Train Dominoes, had a second wedding reception(!), and so much great conversation and sunshine.

Here are some pictures, if you'd like to see. Really, I can't wait to share more than just pictures, because God really did a lot in our hearts in three weeks. I hope some of the things we learned and are changed by can encourage and inspire you. More on the emotional details of the trip soon. :)

Love from the freezy Southern Hemisphere (we're totally missing the summer sun and warmth!),

Ellie

Excited to start our 24-hour travel time! No, not really. Excited to get to the States!

On our way to the US, we had a layover in London, so my aunt and uncle (who live in London) met us at the airport for  some coffee. So wonderful!

I decided that if I'm going to put a slightly embarrassing picture of my hubs online, it's only fair I'm slightly embarrassed too. He is sleeping great because of that lovely JetBlue eye mask, and I am not sleeping (who knows why)....which is why my eyes look a bit crazy. (Notice I did not make this picture as large as the others. :)

Brother/sister beach time. :)

My (unofficially adopted) big sister and her daughter (my unofficial niece). :)

Disney World with the fam! Hollywood Studios is def my favorite!

I seriously have the coolest brother in the world. 

Honey, we're shrunk. 

Watching Disney fireworks on the Fourth of July! One of my most favorite holidays. 

My campus ministers from college, but really, dear friends. So, so great to spend time with them!

Tom (on the far right) and I went to college together. This was a double date with our spouses...gosh, how times have changed. :) 

More friends! (I can't get enough of seeing old friends again!)

We are Aunt Ellie and Uncle Gordon. :)

Just a Sunday morning. 

Beach. Miami skyline in the background. 

Coming soon...

Our second wedding/reception! :)

Thank you!

I know it's been a while, but first off I have to say: I love you! Yes, you! My reader(s)!

Hubby and I just got back from visiting my family in the US for three weeks and we had the most wonderful, encouraging, inspiring, refreshing time! One of the many things that was so encouraging was that I had a number of you tell me that you love reading this blog. I know that probably doesn't sound like a big deal, but it actually means a lot.

I love when life reminds you that life is still so good...ok, it's not life, it's God - God reminding you through little or big things that life is really good. It doesn't always feel that way and maybe sometimes it's actually not, but more often than not, there is so much more good around us and in us than we see.

So, thanks for reading. Thanks for enjoying something I love doing so much and inspiring me to work harder at it. :)

Here's a short teaser of our trip, until next time.

Love,
ef

Friends!

Family!

Practically family!

And something I can't wait to tell you about!

You know you're in Africa when...

This is a real ad/contest in a furniture store's flyer. 

One day I'll have a really modern phone with a really good camera. Until then...