Livorno.

“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”

1 Peter 2:24

Here are my photos from Livorno. It is known for it's "mini-Venice" as you can see by the canals. 

In other news, today is my birthday! I am 20. I can't believe I'm not a "teen" anymore. I don't want to grow up. :( 

But tonight there is a huge party in Firenze. I am going to pretend it's a party for me, though it's really just a giant festival where people play music and stores and restaurants are open until 3-4 in the morning and people party all night. Sounds fun, right? I will be sure to take pictures! 

Castiglioncello.

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."

James 1:17

Yesterday the weather was fantastic. It was time for a beach trip. Gloria and I packed up our things and made our way to Livorno, a town/region-like place on the coast of Tuscany. And from Livorno (since it is more of a port city) we went to the small town of Castiglioncello where we could hit the beach!

And now I have debuted my birthday present (my b-day is tomorrow, here's to my last day of being 19!). The Prada sunglasses I have been wanting for months now. Aren't they beautiful? I think so, too. :)

bathing suit-Trina Turk 

Pictures from the town of Livorno to come tomorrow! Have a great Sunday. 

Brandy Melville Event

 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

Hebrews 10:23

Last week Brandy Melville in Florence had a special event for the American students in the area. I was happy to attend as it included free food, drinks, and discounted, super-cute clothing. 

Here's what I wore. I was wishing I could have worn this to Coachella. 

 shawl-Anthropologie

shirt-Michael Stars

Jeans-Zara

boots-Sam Edelman

necklace-H&M 

Montefioralle and Greve

Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.

Hebrews 9:27-28

As I mentioned in my last post, on Saturday I went wine tasting! We visited a winery in the town of Montefioralle. It is near the better-known Greve in the Chianti region. So, naturally, we tasted several different vintages of Chianti Classico as well as a Vinsanto (a tuscan dessert wine). 

 Behind me is the main part of Montefioralle 

 this is there the primary fermentation takes place 

 after all the fermenting is finished, it is then aged in these oak barrels 

 deep fried pizza dough, a typical food to eat whilst wine tasting and absolutely delicious! 

 Leah and me! 

 vinsanto and a cookie/muffin type dessert 

 following the tasting we visited Montefioralle and I think it might be my most favorite Tuscan town I have visited so far! 

 Then we headed back to Greve to catch the bus to Firenze 

 the main piazza in Greve 

It was a beautiful day! 

Aperitivo.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Matthew 6:33-34

I know I post from this passage often, but it is so relevant to any situation. Seek Him first. 

shirt: Creme Fraiche 

necklace: H&M

glasses: Warby Parker, Sinclair 

I went wine tasting today in Greve, Chianti. It was such a wonderful time, I can't wait to show you all pictures. 

Florentine.

 I love you, LORD, my strength.

Psalm 18:1

leather jacket: bought at the San Lorenzo market here in Firenze

scarf: vintage

shirt: Zara

jeans: CJs 

boots: Frye

sunglasses: Jimmy Choo  

Just an outfit I wore out and about. Happy Friday everyone! What are you doing this weekend? Tomorrow I am going wine tasting in Chianti! 

Perugia.

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Hebrews 4:12-13

I love these verses. Sometimes we forget how powerful the Word truly is! What also struck me was that God sees EVERYTHING that we do, and yet He still loves us so immensely that He sent His son to die for us. How great is our God! 

Perugia is the last city we visited while touring Umbria. This town is known for the chocolate company Perugino. (Like the Italian Hershey, except I think Perugino chocolate is even more delicious) They produce a kind of chocolate called Baci (in english, "kisses") and they are chocolate covered hazelnuts, so good! 

the chocolate I bought! two chocolate covered oranges, two fresh baci, and two chocolate chickens (with a chocolate cream inside).