Spring/Summer Favourites
1.Thrifting
My thrifting game has been next level lately. I am convinced that you can thrift most things (except for plain white t-shirts - trust me, I’ve tried). I have found quite a few gems and have also found a few items to DIY.
Some thrifting tips:
Some of my favourite thrifted outfits pt.1
Be picky! Don’t always be afraid of missing out, something else will always come along and you should only wanna settle for things that you know you will love.
Take your time! Thrifting is a bit of a time investment, but it is definitely worth it. When you finally find that perfect pair of pants that you feel confident in, or those ‘just right’ overalls that you have been looking for over the past year, it is all worth it.
Once you find your spots, be consistent. Consistency is key. I try to go once every couple weeks even if I find nothing.
Try something new! If there is ever a time to try out a new style, thrifting is it!
Some of my favourite thrifted outfits pt.2
2. Hamilton
I moved out for the first time. I now live in Hamilton, Ontario. Wow, that is crazy to type out. I never really thought it would happen, but here we are. God provides EVERYTHING, friends! I found a place to live and felt very assured that it was a good fit, and then job stuff fell through. It left me confused, so I waited. I waited for God to show me what He was going to do.
I did not have to wait long! A great job soon fell into my lap (because apparently that is the only way that I get great jobs). That job has since changed and healed so many little pieces of my heart and I am so glad that I am where I am.
ps. my new roommate Sara is also one of my favourites. <3
3. Running
LET ME BE CLEAR. I do NOT love running. In fact, most of my runs are more like run/walks. That being said, it’s been good. I have this intense issue with feeling like a failure if I am not great at something and tend to quit if I don’t see improvement quickly. Running has been good because I am finally facing that giant head on and keep trying to run. (But also the Nike Run Club app is the bomb.com)
4. Lead Stories podcasts
When they first started recording these podcasts years ago, I was hooked. I was working in a greenhouse and, therefore, had a ton of time to listen and learn from these two INCREDIBLE leaders. Jo and Steph have a unique ability to talk about difficult subjects and speak about them in a way that is honest, intelligent, and full of grace.
Over the years, I fell behind and, unfortunately, stopped making time to listen weekly. But lately I have been driving to and from Hamilton frequently and I started to listen again. Every time that I listen, I feel like they are seeing the positions of my heart and speaking them out loud. Time and time again, I have heard podcasts that are perfectly timed and I feel so cared for by these ladies.
My most recent favourite was in their conversation about leading on in anxious times. There are a few episodes about how to approach criticism in a healthy way and HOLY CRAP it was so FREAKING GOOD! Listen here: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/lead-stories-podcast/id1071345719?i=1000394732290
*I also want to make a note that this podcast is for everyone, not just women. This podcast is hosted by two strong leaders. Both are excellent teachers from whom we can all learn *
5. Ben Rector’s live album (MAGIC: Live from the USA)
I don’t think it is any secret that I love Ben Rector and his music. But this album is super special. For my 21st birthday, I went and saw Ben Rector in Detroit and he is a great musician in general… but LIVE?!!? Ben Rector live is a whole different story and such a fun experience. AND THEN he comes out with a live album from the tour. B.L.E.S.S.E.D.
Anyway. Big fan. Check it out: https://open.spotify.com/album/0X3SAHqqkJe9sPyyI4XCbF?si=SrOtip_iQ76IWY3OqG3V0Q
6. Some super solid worship tunes:
Amanda Cook’s new album (especially her song “House on a Hill”) had me in TEARS for most of the spring. The whole album is about coming out of darkness and entering into abundance again. Never has an album been so perfectly timed in my life and what God has been doing.
Out of Hiding - Stephanie Gretzinger. A beautiful look into God’s heart for us and another song that helped heal my heart.
Whole Heart (Hold me Now) - Hillsong United. This song was shown to me on a roadtrip to Muskoka and I have been obsessed ever since (thanks Madi).
Endless Alleluia - Bethel Music. The whole album (Victory) is so good and this song is one of my favourites to start my day.
Raise a Hallelujah - Bethel Music. We sang this song in church one Sunday and I hadn’t heard it before but the words felt like something that my heart had been yearning to sing. Such a powerful time of worship.
Here’s my Spotify playlist if you need some new worship jams: https://open.spotify.com/user/lgalenkamp/playlist/0H62GJQ4Y0vMVAqbQoBAMg?si=CtzcRjh1QxKCdt-nXLwjcg
7. Warm weather/new life
I am not going to lie - winter was a hard time and I will not miss it. The warm weather feels like a time of rebirth and newness. There have been a lot of new beginnings in this season of life. I used to hate times of change and transition and not knowing what was next. It’s weird to realize that I have started to get used to it. The idea of having one full-time long-term job sounds weird and kind of boring. The idea of juggling a few different things that are constantly changing energizes me. One thing I know for sure, I am not who I was a year ago or even six months ago, and that’s pretty great.
On a totally separate note, warm weather = ultimate frisbee, a.k.a. my favourite summer memories of all time.
That’s all for now! I hope that you are all learning to thrive whether it is in a new season or an old one. <3